Cursor is a modern code editor built on VS Code, with AI superpowers built right in. Getting it installed is quick and easy. By the end of this lesson, you'll have Cursor ready to use.
System Requirements
Cursor runs on macOS 12 or later, Windows 10 or later, and Linux. If your computer can run VS Code, it can run Cursor.
Step 1: Download Cursor
Go to cursor.com
Visit the official Cursor website in your web browser.
Choose Your Platform
Click the button for your operating system: Windows, macOS (ARM64 for Apple Silicon or x64 for Intel), or Linux.
Wait for Download
The installer will download (usually 200-300 MB). This takes 1-5 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Step 2: Install Cursor
Once downloaded, the installation process depends on your operating system:
On macOS
- Double-click the .dmg file you downloaded
- Drag the Cursor icon to the Applications folder
- Wait for the copy to complete
- Open Applications folder and double-click Cursor to launch
On Windows
- Double-click the .exe installer file
- Click "Install" when the installer opens
- Choose your installation location (default is fine)
- Wait for the installation to complete
- Click "Launch" to open Cursor
On Linux
- Pick the download for your system: .deb (Ubuntu, Debian), .rpm (Fedora) or AppImage
- Install the .deb or .rpm by opening it, or with your package manager
- For the AppImage: run chmod +x on the file, then open it
Step 3: Set Up Your Account
When Cursor launches for the first time, you'll see a welcome screen.
Create or Sign In
Click "Sign up" to create a free Cursor account, or log in if you already have one.
Verify Your Email
Check your email inbox and click the verification link.
Choose Your Plan
Cursor starts you on the free Hobby plan, with no credit card needed and a limited number of agent requests. If you hit the limit, Pro is $20/month. In India there is also a Start plan at ₹649/month, payable by UPI, which covers Cursor's own models.
You now have Cursor installed on the free Hobby plan. Use it to work through the lessons ahead and see what's possible with AI-powered development before deciding whether you need Pro.
Optional: Bring Over Your VS Code Settings
If you use VS Code already, you can import your settings, keybindings, and extensions:
- Open Cursor
- Go to Settings (Cmd+, on Mac, Ctrl+, on Windows)
- Search for "Import"
- Follow the prompts to import from VS Code
Installation Complete!
- Cursor is installed on your computer
- Your account is set up and verified
- You are on the free Hobby plan
- All AI features are ready to use
Congratulations! You're ready to meet the Cursor interface and start learning AI-powered coding.