Install Cursor on a Chromebook

Overview

This guide will walk you through installing Cursor on your Chromebook. Some of the steps are a little complicated but we will take it step by step.

What we'll do:

  1. Turn on Linux on your Chromebook
  2. Run a command to install Cursor
  3. Open Cursor and start coding!

Time needed: About 15-20 minutes (most of that is waiting for things to download)

Before You Start

Check if Your Chromebook Supports Linux

Most Chromebooks made after 2019 support Linux. Here's how to check:

  1. Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings)
  3. Scroll down and look for "About ChromeOS" in the left sidebar
  4. Click on "Developers"

If you see "Linux development environment" listed there, you're good to go!

School or Work Chromebook? If your Chromebook is managed by a school or workplace, Linux might be disabled by your administrator. You'll need to ask them to enable it, or use a personal Chromebook.

Part 1: Enable Linux on Your Chromebook

Step 1: Open Settings

  • Click the clock in the bottom-right corner
  • Click the gear icon (Settings)

Step 2: Navigate to Linux Settings

  • In the left sidebar, click "About ChromeOS"
  • Then click "Developers"

Step 3: Turn On Linux

  • Find "Linux development environment"
  • Click the "Turn on" button next to it
  • Click "Next" on the welcome screen

Step 4: Set Up Linux

  • Username: You can keep the suggested username or type your own (use lowercase letters, no spaces). Example: yourname
  • Disk size: The default size (10 GB) is fine.
  • Click "Install"

Step 5: Wait for Installation

This part takes about 5-10 minutes. Your Chromebook is downloading and setting up Linux. You'll see a progress bar.

When it's done: A black window called "Terminal" will automatically open. This is the Linux command line - it's where you'll type the command to install Cursor.

Tip: If the Terminal window doesn't open automatically, you can find it by clicking the circle icon (Launcher) in the bottom-left corner and searching for "Terminal"

Part 2: Install Cursor

Now for the fun part! We'll use a special command that automatically downloads and installs Cursor for you.

Step 1: Make Sure Terminal is Open

You should see a black window with some text and a blinking cursor. It might look something like this:

yourname@penguin:~$ _

That's your Terminal, ready for commands!

Step 2: Copy the Install Command

Select and copy this entire command (triple-click to select the whole line):

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cartpauj/cursor-crostini-chromebook-install-script/main/install-cursor-crostini.sh | bash

Step 3: Paste and Run the Command

  1. Click inside the Terminal window
  2. Paste the command using one of these methods:
    • Right-click and select "Paste"
    • Or press Ctrl + Shift + V (note: it's Shift + V, not just V!)
  3. Press Enter to run the command

Step 4: Wait for Installation

The script will:

  • Download some required files
  • Download Cursor
  • Set everything up for you

You'll see text scrolling by - that's normal! The installation takes about 2-5 minutes depending on your internet speed.

When it's done: You should see a message saying the installation was successful.

Part 3: Open Cursor

Method 1: From the App Launcher

  1. Click the circle icon (Launcher) in the bottom-left corner
  2. Search for "Cursor"
  3. Click the Cursor icon to open it

Method 2: From the Terminal

If you can't find Cursor in the launcher yet, you can type this in Terminal:

~/.local/bin/cursor.AppImage

Then press Enter.

Note: The first time you open Cursor, it might take a minute to load. This is normal!

Troubleshooting

"I can't find Linux in my Settings"

  • Make sure your Chromebook is updated to the latest version
  • Go to Settings → About ChromeOS → Check for updates
  • Restart your Chromebook after updating

"The Terminal closed and I need to open it again"

  • Click the Launcher (circle icon in bottom-left)
  • Search for "Terminal"
  • Click to open it

"I get an error about FUSE"

Run this command in Terminal, then try the install command again:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y fuse libfuse2

If it asks for a password, just press Enter (there's no password by default).

"Cursor doesn't appear in my app launcher"

Try logging out and back in, or run this command in Terminal:

update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications

"Cursor won't open or crashes"

  1. Open Terminal
  2. Run this command to make sure the file can run: 
    chmod +x ~/.local/bin/cursor.AppImage
  3. Try opening Cursor again

"I'm running out of storage space"

You can give Linux more space:

  1. Go to Settings → About ChromeOS → Developers
  2. Under "Linux development environment", click "Manage"
  3. Increase the disk size

Need More Help?

If you're stuck, don't panic! Here are your options:

  1. Ask your instructor - they can help troubleshoot in person
  2. Restart and try again - sometimes a fresh start helps
  3. Check Google's official guide: Set up Linux on your Chromebook

Credits

This guide uses the installation script from cartpauj/cursor-crostini-chromebook-install-script, which automates the Cursor installation process for Chromebooks.

All done? Go back to the Back to the setup project guide.