Cursorrules getting ignored

[Edward_Tremblay]

Describe the Bug

cursorrules for development of a given project get ignored. i enter a set of rules that i want cursor to always follow when i am doing development in the cursor IDE. basically i dont want cursor to start writing code until i am sure cusrsor understand an issue and can explain to me the issue and what it plans to do, then i agree and tell cursor to proceed. cursor will pay attention to this rule for awhile and then i will enter sothing i noted to cursure and it start writing code with out doing the check in with me.
here is the cursor riles from the cursorrules file
Your .cursorrules file contains:
Critical workflow rule
NEVER make code changes without following this workflow:
Required steps before any code changes:
EXPLAIN: Describe what you understand the user is asking for
Summarize the request
List affected files/functions
Describe expected behavior/outcome
WAIT: Wait for explicit user confirmation
Use phrases like “Should I proceed?” or “Does this sound correct?”
Do not proceed until the user confirms with words like:
“proceed”
“yes”
“go ahead”
“implement”
“that’s correct”
“do it”
THEN CODE: Only after explicit confirmation, proceed with code changes
Hard stops:
NEVER use search_replace, write, edit_file, or any code editing tools until user confirms
NEVER assume agreement - always wait for explicit confirmation
NEVER skip the explanation step, even for “simple” requests
ALWAYS explain first, wait for confirmation, then code
Checklist format:

Understanding:[Your explanation of what user wants]## Proposed Changes:[What files/functions you’ll modify]## Awaiting Confirmation:[Wait for user to explicitly confirm before proceeding]

This rule applies to ALL requests, no exceptions.
Project context
Project: liner notez v1
Authoritative PRD: The PRD provided defines the product requirements
Authoritative Schema: album.v1.json defines the data contract
Hard Rules:
Do not add features outside the PRD
Do not invent fields not defined in the schema
Missing data = “not documented”, not errors
These rules are active and guide the development process.

Steps to Reproduce

create cursor rules. start doing development in the cursor IDE. cursor will follow the rules for awhile. then it will strt just writng code after i have given it a prompt with out checking in with me to get my approval for the caod cahnge.

Expected Behavior

cursor always follow the cursorrules that i have set without exception.

Operating System

MacOS

Current Cursor Version (Menu → About Cursor → Copy)

Version: 2.3.41
VSCode Version: 1.105.1
Commit: 2ca326e0d1ce10956aea33d54c0e2d8c13c58a30
Date: 2026-01-16T19:14:00.150Z
Electron: 37.7.0
Chromium: 138.0.7204.251
Node.js: 22.20.0
V8: 13.8.258.32-electron.0
OS: Darwin arm64 24.6.0

For AI issues: which model did you use?

not sure - i accept cursor defaults

Does this stop you from using Cursor

No - Cursor works, but with this issue

[deanrie]

Hey, thanks for the report. The issue where rules from .cursorrules get ignored after some time is a known one, especially when you use large rule files.

This happens because Cursor injects rules into the context window dynamically. When you add code or files to the chat, the context can overflow, and the model “forgets” your rules.

Related threads: .cursorrules not working - how to know if they are being used? Issues with .cursorrules Not Being Consistently Followed

For now, try this:

• Reduce the size of your .cursorrules file and keep only the critical rules. Large rule sets use up context tokens and push each other out
• Split it into multiple files by rule type instead of one huge file
• At the start of each new chat, explicitly remind Cursor of the main rule, like: “Reminder: before any changes, ALWAYS explain first and wait for confirmation”
• Try restarting Cursor. Sometimes that refreshes the context