How to Install Cursor AI in Windows and Linux

Cursor AI is an advanced code editor. The AI capabilities of the code editor make it an effective tool for use in the development workflow. Cursor AI is capable of following natural language commands, completing code intelligently, detecting bugs, and executing tasks across multiple files.

Regardless of whether you are using Windows or are a Linux lover, with the right steps, you can install AI. This is a comprehensive guide covering system requirements, as well as installation and configuration steps.

System Requirements

Before download Cursor AI, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

Operating System

• Windows: Windows 11 operating system
• Linux: Ubuntu 24.04, Debian, Fedora, or other mainstream distributions

Hardware

1. RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
2. Disk Space: At least 2 GB free
3. GPU: Optional but recommended for smoother performance

Network

• A stable internet connection is required for AI features and updates.

Installing Cursor AI on Windows

The following are the steps to install Cursor AI on the Windows operating system:

Step 1: Download the Installer

Visit the Cursor AI download page. Click on the Windows Installer (.exe) link.

Step 2: Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded .exe file. Now follow the installation wizard:

Accept the license agreement. Choose the installation directory. Select components such as CLI tools, and extensions etc.

Step 3: Configure Environment Variables

To use Cursor CLI from the terminal:

Open “System Properties”, then “Environment Variables”. Add the Cursor’s install path C:\Program Files\Cursor to the PATH variable.

Step 4: Launch Cursor AI

Open the Cursor from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut. Sign in or create an account to enable AI features.

Step 5: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt and run the following:

cursor --version

You should see the installed version number.

Installing Cursor AI on Linux

The following are the steps to install Cursor AI on the Ubuntu Linux operating system:

Step 1: Install Dependencies

Ensure your system has curl, git, and download Node.js and NPM properly:

sudo apt update

After updating the system, run the following command:

sudo apt install curl git nodejs

Step 2: Download and Run the Installer Script

Use the official installation script:

curl -fsSL https://cursor.sh/install.sh | bash

This script does the following things:

• Downloads the latest Cursor CLI
• Installs it to /usr/local/bin
• Sets up required dependencies

Step 3: Verify Installation

Run the following command in your terminal:

cursor --version

If installed correctly, you will see the version output.

Step 4: Launch the GUI

If you installed the GUI version:

• Run cursor from terminal
• Or launch from your desktop environment if integrated

Step 5: Configure PATH

If the cursor is not recognized, add it manually:

export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin

Add this line to your .bashrc or .zshrc to persist.

Post Installation: Using Cursor AI

1. Use your GitHub or Google account. Enables AI features like code suggestions and bug detection.

2. Open a folder containing your codebase. Cursor will index your files and offer context-aware suggestions.

3. Cursor supports multiple languages, such as Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Go, Rust, and C++.

4. Install extensions via the built-in marketplace or CLI:

cursor install-extension python

5. Another option is agent mode, which allows Cursor to perform multi-file tasks:

cursor agent enable

Use prompts like: “Refactor all functions inutils.py to use async syntax”.

Security and Privacy

Cursor AI processes code locally and uses secure APIs for AI features. It does not upload your entire codebase unless explicitly authorized. You can review privacy settings in. Disable cloud sync or telemetry if desired.

Conclusion

Installing Cursor AI on Windows and Linux is a straightforward process that unlocks a powerful AI-enhanced development environment. With features like natural language coding, multi-file refactoring, and intelligent debugging, Cursor AI is ideal for developers seeking productivity and precision.

FAQ