Update Cursor in 1 Minute

Update Cursor from the Help menu to get the latest fixes and features.

This guide is for developers who use Cursor on desktop and want the quickest path to the newest release. After you follow the steps, you will know how to check for updates, start the download, and confirm that Cursor is current.

It follows the same in-app path documented by Cursor's help flow and points you to the official product pages on the first mention of each source: the Cursor docs and the Cursor GitHub repository.

Before you start

• Cursor desktop app installed on macOS, Windows, or Linux
• A signed-in Cursor account
• Internet connection for update checks and downloads
• Permission to install app updates on your machine
• Cursor version already running, not just the installer

Step 1: Open the Cursor app

Goal: launch the editor you want to update so the built-in updater can check the installed version.

Open Cursor on your computer and wait until the main editor window is fully loaded. If you are not signed in yet, sign in first so the app can complete the update flow without interruption.

You should see the workspace, sidebar, and top toolbar. If the app does not open, start it from your Applications folder, Start menu, or app launcher before continuing.

Step 2: Open the Help menu

Goal: reach the update command hidden in Cursor's toolbar menu.

On the top toolbar, click the ellipsis button (...), then choose Help from the dropdown menu. This is the path Cursor uses to expose app-level maintenance actions.

You should see a Help submenu or panel with update-related options. If the menu does not appear, click the ellipsis again and make sure you are using the desktop app rather than a browser window.

Step 3: Check for updates

Goal: ask Cursor to compare your installed version with the latest release.

In the Help menu, click Check for Updates. Cursor will contact its update service and look for a newer build.

Cursor → ... → Help → Check for Updates

You should see a status message such as checking, downloading, or already up to date. If nothing happens, wait a few seconds and try again with a stable internet connection.

Step 4: Download the update

Goal: start installing the newer Cursor version when one is available.

If Cursor finds an update, click Download Update to begin the process. Keep the app open until the download finishes, and avoid force-quitting during installation.

You should see a progress indicator, download prompt, or restart request. If the button is unavailable, Cursor may already be current or your network may have blocked the request.

Step 5: Restart Cursor and verify the version

Goal: finish the update and confirm the app is on the newest release.

After the download completes, restart Cursor if prompted. Then reopen the Help menu or About screen to confirm the version number changed.

You should see the latest version listed, or a message that Cursor is already up to date. If the version did not change, repeat the update check after closing and reopening the app.

Common mistakes

• Using the web version instead of the desktop app. Fix: install and open the Cursor desktop application before checking for updates.
• Skipping sign-in. Fix: sign in first so the app can complete the update flow without account-related interruptions.
• Closing Cursor during download. Fix: keep the app open until the update finishes and the restart prompt appears.

What's next

After Cursor is updated, look at related maintenance tasks such as restarting Cursor, uninstalling Cursor cleanly, or connecting Cursor with your favorite development tools so your editor stays stable and current.