> [!WARNING]  
> This was created around 2025-05-20, so the information may be out of date. Please refer to the official documentation first. [Claude Code IDE integrations (Official Docs)](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/ide-integrations)

# Installing Claude Code Extension in Cursor IDE

Since the official documentation method doesn't work for Cursor IDE, here's a working solution.

**Note:** This workaround likely works for other **Visual Studio Code** forks (including popular forks like Cursor and Windsurf) that support VSIX extensions but aren't automatically detected by Claude Code.

## Prerequisites

- Claude Code must be installed locally on your system
- Cursor IDE must be installed

## Step 1: Verify Claude Code Installation

First, confirm that Claude Code is installed locally and find its installation path.

**Where to run:** Your system's terminal/command prompt

```bash
claude
```

**Expected result:** Claude Code interactive session starts

**Next, check the installation location:**

**Where to run:** Inside the Claude Code session (after running `claude`)

```bash
/doctor
```

**Expected result:** You should see output similar to:
```
You are running Claude Code from your local installation (~/.claude/local).
```

This confirms Claude Code is installed at `~/.claude/local`

## Step 2: Install Extension to Cursor

Now install the Claude Code extension manually using the VSIX file from your local installation.

**Where to run:** Your system's terminal/command prompt (exit Claude Code first if still in session)

```bash
cursor --install-extension ~/.claude/local/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/vendor/claude-code.vsix
```

**Expected result:** 
- Terminal output: "Extension 'claude-code.vsix' was successfully installed."
- The Claude Code extension will now be available in Cursor IDE

## Step 3: Verify Installation

1. Open Cursor IDE
2. Check the Extensions panel (View → Extensions)
3. You should see "Claude Code" in your installed extensions list

## Step 4: Confirm IDE Detection

Run Claude Code again to verify it now detects Cursor:

**Where to run:** Your system's terminal/command prompt

```bash
claude
```

**Then run:** Inside the Claude Code session

```bash
/ide
```

**Expected result:** You should now see Cursor as an available IDE option:

```
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│                                                                                                                                                                                         │
│  Select IDE                                                                                                                                                                             │
│  Connect to an IDE for integrated development features.                                                                                                                                 │
│                                                                                                                                                                                         │
│     1. Cursor                                                                                                                                                                           │
│   ❯ 2. None✔                                                                                                                                                                            │
│                                                                                                                                                                                         │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
 Enter to confirm · Esc to exit
```

This confirms that Claude Code now successfully detects Cursor IDE!

## Why This Workaround?

The official detection doesn't recognize Cursor as a compatible IDE, even though Cursor is VSCode-based and supports VSIX extensions.

## References

- [Claude Code IDE integrations (Official Docs)](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/ide-integrations)
- [GitHub Issue: Claude Code doesn't detect that the IDE is cursor #1279](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/1279)