How to import VS Code extensions on Cursor

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

You can import VS Code extensions to Cursor by using the built-in sync feature or manually installing them from the Extensions marketplace. Cursor automatically detects most VS Code extensions and allows seamless migration.

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Prerequisites

VS Code installed with extensions
Cursor editor installed
Access to both VS Code and Cursor on the same machine
Basic familiarity with extension management

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open Cursor Extensions View

Launch Cursor and click on the Extensions icon in the left sidebar, or press Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (Mac) to open the Extensions view.

You can also access extensions through the top menu: View > Extensions

Access VS Code Extension Import

In the Extensions view, look for the Import from VS Code button at the top of the panel. If you don't see it immediately, click on the three dots (...) menu in the Extensions view header and select Import from VS Code.

Make sure VS Code is installed on your system for this option to appear

Select VS Code Installation

Cursor will automatically detect your VS Code installation. If you have multiple VS Code installations, select the one you want to import extensions from in the dropdown menu. Click Scan for Extensions to proceed.

If Cursor doesn't detect VS Code automatically, you may need to manually specify the installation path

Review and Select Extensions

A list of all installed VS Code extensions will appear. Review the list and check the boxes next to the extensions you want to import. You can use Select All to import all extensions or manually choose specific ones.

Some extensions may already be installed in Cursor, and these will be marked accordingly

Import Selected Extensions

After selecting your desired extensions, click the Import Selected button. Cursor will begin downloading and installing the extensions. You'll see a progress indicator for each extension being installed.

Large extensions or slow internet connections may take several minutes to complete

Configure Extension Settings

Once the import is complete, go to File > Preferences > Settings or press Ctrl+,. Navigate to the Extensions section to configure any imported extensions that require setup or authentication.

Some extensions may require you to sign in again or reconfigure API keys

Verify Extensions are Working

Test your imported extensions by opening a relevant file or using extension-specific commands. Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the Command Palette and search for commands from your imported extensions to ensure they're functioning properly.

If an extension isn't working, try restarting Cursor or checking the extension's output in the Developer Console

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Import from VS Code option not appearing

Ensure VS Code is properly installed on your system and try restarting Cursor. You can also manually install extensions by searching for them in the Extensions Marketplace.

Extensions fail to install during import

Check your internet connection and try importing extensions one by one. Some extensions may not be compatible with Cursor's current version. Visit the Extensions view and manually search for alternative versions.

Imported extensions not working properly

Open Help > Toggle Developer Tools and check the Console for error messages. Try disabling and re-enabling the problematic extension, or uninstall and reinstall it manually from the marketplace.

Extension settings not transferred

Extension settings are not automatically imported. Manually copy your settings from VS Code's settings.json file to Cursor's settings. Access VS Code settings with Ctrl+Shift+P and search for Preferences: Open Settings (JSON).

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