How to Install Cursor and Import VS Code Settings (6 Minutes)

Cursor is a fork of VS Code with an AI layer bolted on, so the fastest way to feel at home is to import everything you already have configured in VS Code. This guide installs Cursor and pulls your extensions, theme, settings and keybindings across in a single step so you do not have to rebuild your editor from scratch.

What you need

• A Mac, Windows or Linux machine with admin rights to install an app
• An existing VS Code install (optional, but needed for the import step)
• A few minutes and a network connection for the download

Step 1: Download the installer

Go to cursor.com and click Download. The site detects your operating system and offers the right build (a .dmg on macOS, a .exe on Windows, an AppImage or .deb on Linux). Run the installer the same way you would any other desktop app.

Step 2: Launch and choose your import

On first launch Cursor shows a setup screen. When it asks how to start, choose the option to import from VS Code. Cursor reads your installed VS Code profile and copies your extensions list, active color theme, user settings and keybindings into its own config. If you have no VS Code install, pick the default setup and skip ahead.

Step 3: Pick keybindings and sign in

Next Cursor asks which keymap to use. Choose VS Code keybindings so every shortcut you have muscle memory for keeps working. Then sign in or create a Cursor account, which is what unlocks the AI features and tracks your request usage.

Step 4: Verify the import

Open the command palette and check that your extensions are present, then open a project to confirm your theme and font look right. You can re-run the import any time from the command palette.

Result: Cursor opens with your familiar theme, extensions and shortcuts, plus an AI sidebar you did not have before. Nothing about your existing VS Code projects changes, and you can switch back at any time.