On Windows, install Cursor from the official download, sign in, and open a project folder that already exists on disk. The app is a VS Code fork, so Explorer, terminal, and git integrations should feel familiar. Confirm Tab completions work on Hobby or your trial seat before paying. India users can choose Start at ₹649/month for Cursor Models only; Pro starts at $20/mo before tax when you need Other Models. Recheck pricing after setup.
Install and sign-in
Run the Windows installer, launch Cursor, and complete account sign-in. Allow firewall prompts only for the Cursor binary you trust from the official site. Skip random third-party “cracked” builds.
If you use WSL, decide whether the project lives in Windows paths or the Linux filesystem and open that folder consistently to avoid line-ending pain. Place repos on a consistent drive letter and avoid mixing WSL and Win32 paths for the same project root. After install, confirm the correct Cursor account is signed in so you do not burn the wrong plan’s limits.
First-project checklist
- Open Folder on your repo root.
- Install must-have extensions and formatters.
- Add a short rules file for stack constraints.
Run a tiny Agent edit on a branch to confirm auth and model access. On Start, expect Grok/Composer only without Fast mode. After install, confirm the correct Cursor account is signed in so you do not burn the wrong plan’s limits. Keep Windows Defender exclusions narrow if you add any; blanket exclusions are not worth the risk for node_modules speed. Place repos on a consistent drive letter and avoid mixing WSL and Win32 paths for the same project root.
Windows-specific tips
Keep antivirus exclusions reasonable if real-time scanning slows large node_modules watches—prefer narrow exclusions over turning protection off. Use Windows Terminal or the integrated terminal for git. Sign out on shared PCs so paid seats are not left unlocked. Keep Windows Defender exclusions narrow if you add any; blanket exclusions are not worth the risk for node_modules speed. Place repos on a consistent drive letter and avoid mixing WSL and Win32 paths for the same project root. After install, confirm the correct Cursor account is signed in so you do not burn the wrong plan’s limits.
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Frequently asked questions
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Does Cursor work on Windows 10 and 11?
Use the official Windows build and check Cursoru2019s current system requirements on their site. Most developers on current Windows 10/11 installs run it like VS Code. Update GPU drivers if the UI feels unusually sluggish. Sign out on shared Windows machines so paid seats are not left open on lab PCs.
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Can I import VS Code settings on Windows?
You can recreate keybindings and extensions; treat it as a short migration, not an automatic silent import of every VS Code profile detail. Move the settings you actually use. Sign out on shared Windows machines so paid seats are not left open on lab PCs.
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Is Windows Setup different for Start vs Pro?
Install steps are the same. The difference is which models and limits appear after sign-in. Start is India Cursor Models only; Pro adds Other Models and paid extras. Sign out on shared Windows machines so paid seats are not left open on lab PCs.
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Do I need admin rights to install?
Many Windows installs need permission to write under Program Files. If corporate policy blocks installs, ask IT for approval or a portable policy pathu2014do not bypass security controls. Sign out on shared Windows machines so paid seats are not left open on lab PCs.
Sources
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