C Cursor

How to install Cursor on Windows

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Install Cursor on Windows by downloading the installer from cursor.sh, running the .exe file, and following the setup wizard. The process takes about 5 minutes and automatically configures the AI code editor for immediate use.

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Prerequisites

  • Windows 10 or later
  • Active internet connection
  • Administrator privileges on your computer
  • At least 500MB of free disk space

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Download Cursor Installer

Visit the official Cursor website at cursor.sh and click the Download for Windows button. The installer file (cursor-setup.exe) will be downloaded to your default Downloads folder.
Always download from the official website to ensure you get the latest version and avoid malware
2

Run the Installer

Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on cursor-setup.exe. If Windows Defender SmartScreen appears, click More info and then Run anyway to proceed with the installation.
Right-click the installer and select 'Run as administrator' if you encounter permission issues
3

Accept License Agreement

In the Cursor Setup wizard, review the license agreement and click I accept the agreement radio button. Then click Next to continue with the installation process.
4

Choose Installation Location

Select your preferred installation directory or keep the default location C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Programs\Cursor. Click Next to proceed. Ensure you have sufficient disk space in the selected location.
Installing to the default location ensures proper integration with Windows and automatic updates
5

Configure Additional Options

Choose additional setup options:
  • Check Create a desktop icon
  • Check Add to PATH for command line access
  • Check Register as default editor for supported file types
Click Next when finished.
Adding Cursor to PATH allows you to open files from command prompt using 'cursor filename'
6

Complete Installation

Click Install to begin the installation process. The setup will extract files and configure Cursor on your system. This typically takes 2-3 minutes depending on your system performance.
7

Launch Cursor

Once installation completes, check Launch Cursor and click Finish. Cursor will open automatically and display the welcome screen where you can sign in with your account or create a new one.
Sign in immediately to sync your settings and access AI features
8

Verify Installation

Confirm Cursor is properly installed by checking:
  • Desktop shortcut is created
  • Start menu entry exists under Cursor
  • Command prompt recognizes cursor --version
You're now ready to start coding with AI assistance.
Pin Cursor to your taskbar for quick access during development sessions

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Installation fails with 'Access Denied' error

Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator. Ensure your user account has administrator privileges or contact your system administrator.

Cursor won't start after installation

Check Windows Defender or antivirus software hasn't quarantined Cursor. Add C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Programs\Cursor to your antivirus exclusions and restart the application.

Download is blocked or corrupted

Clear your browser cache and download again. If the issue persists, try downloading using a different browser or disable browser extensions that might interfere with downloads.

'cursor' command not recognized in terminal

Restart your command prompt or PowerShell after installation. If the issue persists, manually add C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Programs\Cursor\resources\app\bin to your system PATH environment variable.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Cursor website before purchasing.
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