Installing Cursor Update Fails on Windows

[runbco]

Where does the bug appear (feature/product)?

Cursor IDE

Describe the Bug

I am trying to update Cursor which fails every time (Since V1.5).
Antivirus software does (apparently) block the update in some cases.
Each update fails.

I followed suggested solutions from previous posts, which have no or little success:

1. I did deactivate my AV software for the update with no difference. I can still not update Cursor

2. I did check for running processes when updating with no difference. I can still not update Cursor

3. I did change the read only setting of the tools folder to read/write with no difference. I can still not update Cursor.

4. I did uninstall cursor and installed a fresh version. I was able to do 1 update but every subsequent update failed again just like before.

This is seriously a thread to my business and I will have to change tools.
I do not understand why cursor cannot update it’s software like any other tool.
I do hope for help as I have no idea what to do anymore.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open Cursor
2. Check (or get pinged by Cursor) for a new version
3. Receive a notice of the update
4. Click Install update
5. Cursor closes and installs the update
6. The update fails and I am getting an error message (see screenshot part 1) and a second one if I click cancel (see screenshot part 2)

Expected Behavior

Updating a software should work just like any other software. Cursor should be no difference

Screenshots / Screen Recordings

Operating System

Windows 10/11

Current Cursor Version (Menu → About Cursor → Copy)

Version: 1.5.2 (user setup)
VSCode Version: 1.99.3
Commit: 460bf37e9a7b6a1f441c5faaae8d2c5dda059c10
Date: 2025-08-22T00:21:22.384Z
Electron: 34.5.8
Chromium: 132.0.6834.210
Node.js: 20.19.1
V8: 13.2.152.41-electron.0
OS: Windows_NT x64 10.0.19045

Additional Information

This issue has been described by others before.
I have done everything possible (as far as I know) to solve this issue.
I am close to switching to another provider as this interrupts my work and costs me money. I will not renew my subscription (coming up in 14 days) if this isnt solved.
It is not acceptable that a software update requires complete uninstalls (every time) just to work.

Does this stop you from using Cursor

Yes - Cursor is unusable

[danperks]

Hey, this error suggests Cursor may be running, or the updater has run twice.

If you restart your machine, or kill all cursor.exe instances in Task Manager, that should allow the updater to continue as expected!

[runbco]

HI Dan

Thanks for your reply. I have tried that multiple times without success.

The only process that is running is the setup/installer (during the installation) - There is no cursor.exe or any other instance running.

This isnt the solution unfortunately. I appreciate your continued help.

[runbco]

hi @danperks i am not alone with this issue. Would you be able to expedite this with the team at cursor please? Paying for a product that does not allow me to run my business is not going to cut if for much longer but I really want to believe that the team is capable of fixing this issue. It is more than just an isolated case

Thank you

Link to another bug report that matches mine:

Cant update to last version

I’ve been having this problem on Windows for three weeks now. Every time I try to update, I get the same message. At first, I thought it was my computer, but knowing that it happens to others changes things. None of the usual solutions work, including disabling the antivirus. The only thing that has worked for me is downloading the installer from the Cursor website and installing everything manually every time there is an update.

[runbco]

Is anyone from the cursor team to actually look at this issue ?

[Sardius]

I’m getting the same error when installing on windows, have tried resetting and closing other instances, same story

[runbco]

i dont think Cursor is interested in replying/fixing it. @danperks any chance that you could help here ? i have to leave cursor (and will not renew my subscription)

[runbco]

Cursor your support is beyond disappointing.

[runbco]

the silence is telling. This is so incredibly frustrating. Cursor get your …. together this is embarrassing and simply ridiculous.

[condor]

hi @runbco apologies that we did not notice this thread still having issues.

The update issue should be fixed in the last version 1.6.26+

Can't Update Cursor IDE from Help menu

@andrewh I think it’s fixed again because it was able to auto update to 1.6.27

[runbco]

Thanks @condor i’ll check it. Can you share any insights as to what the bug was ?

[runbco]

@condor i am on 1.6.42 now and the bug exists (again) I am seriously very very annoyed.
I have promoted cursor, i have used cursor I have paid for cursor but I am at the end of it …

This is not aimed towards you but I am sure you understand my frustration ..
What is going on with cursor ? One day the bug is solved, the next update it isnt. Seriously what the heck … Can you help me get in contact with someone directly or get your team to actually solve the problem ?

Thank you !