# 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):

```bash
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:

```bash
~/.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:

```bash
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:

```bash
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:
   ```bash
   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](https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145439)

---

## Credits

This guide uses the installation script from [cartpauj/cursor-crostini-chromebook-install-script](https://github.com/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](./setup.project.md).