Workaround for installing Claude Code extension in Cursor IDE when the official documentation method fails. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to manually install the extension using the VSIX file from the local Claude Code installation, addressing the issue where Claude Code doesn't automatically detect Cursor as a compatible IDE.

[!warning] Warning This was created around 2025-05-20, so the information may be out of date.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)

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

claude

Expected result: Claude Code interactive session starts

Next, check the installation location:

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

/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)

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

Open Cursor IDE
Check the Extensions panel (View → Extensions)
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

claude

Then run: Inside the Claude Code session

/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