How to Install Cursor on Ubuntu 2026

Cursor is a modern AI-powered code editor built on top of VS Code. It integrates directly with your local development environment and works well on Ubuntu systems, including Ubuntu 2026. This guide walks through a clean installation using the terminal.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing anything, make sure your package list is up to date.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Download Cursor for Linux

Cursor provides an official Linux build as an AppImage. Download it directly to your system.

cd ~/Downloads
wget https://download.cursor.sh/linux/appimage/Cursor-latest.AppImage

If the URL changes in the future, check Cursor’s official website and replace it accordingly.

Step 3: Make the AppImage Executable

AppImages must have execution permission.

chmod +x Cursor-latest.AppImage

Step 4: Run Cursor

You can now launch Cursor directly.

./Cursor-latest.AppImage

Cursor will start without installation and does not modify system files. That’s it. Cursor is now ready to use on Ubuntu 2026.