Cursor

Cursor Errors & Fixes

Cursor AI's autocomplete and chat features can stop working for a dozen different reasons — from context window limits to extension conflicts. Each guide below explains the root cause first, then walks through the exact steps to fix it, verified across multiple Cursor versions.

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor built on VS Code, developed by Anysphere Inc. It integrates GPT-4 and Claude models directly into the editor for autocomplete, code generation, and natural language chat. Cursor is popular among developers for pair programming and large codebase navigation.

12 guides available

Before you start — quick checks

Most Cursor errors are resolved by one of these quick steps before opening a full guide:

1.Restart the Cursor application completely
2.Check your Cursor subscription is active at cursor.com/account
3.Update Cursor to the latest version via Help → Check for Updates
4.Disable conflicting VS Code extensions
5.Re-enter your API key in Cursor Settings → Models

If none of these help, browse the specific guides below or visit Cursor Forum.

All Cursor error guides

Cursor AI Not Responding — How to Fix a Frozen or Silent AI Panel

Cursor AI frozen or returning empty responses? Follow these quick steps to fix unresponsive AI suggestions and get back to coding in minutes.

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Cursor Custom API Key Not Working — How to Fix It

Added your OpenAI or Anthropic API key in Cursor but AI still won't work? Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue in minutes.

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Cursor Chat Not Applying Code Changes — How to Fix It

Cursor chat suggests edits but Apply does nothing? Learn how to fix code changes not applying in Cursor with these step-by-step solutions.

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Cursor Codebase Indexing Failed — Fix the Spinning Indexer

Fix Cursor codebase indexing errors fast. Stop the endless spinner and restore AI search by deleting .cursor, updating .cursorignore, and re-opening your project.

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Cursor Composer Not Working — Fix Cmd+I Errors and Apply Failures

Fix Cursor Composer when Cmd+I fails to open, won't apply changes, or errors on multi-file edits. Step-by-step solutions to restore Composer fast.

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Cursor: Context Window Too Large Error — How to Fix It

Fix the Cursor context window too large error fast. Learn how to trim file references, use .cursorignore, and keep Composer prompts within token limits.

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Cursor High CPU Usage — How to Fix It

Cursor using 80-100% CPU even when idle? Fix it fast by adjusting .cursorignore, disabling extensions, and limiting file watchers. Step-by-step guide.

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Cursor Not Reading @file Context — How to Fix It

Fix Cursor ignoring or failing to find @filename references in chat. Follow these steps to resolve file context issues and get accurate AI responses.

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Cursor AI Autocomplete Very Slow — How to Fix Tab Suggestions

Fix Cursor Tab autocomplete delays of 5-10 seconds. Learn how to switch models, disable extensions, and restore fast AI suggestions in minutes.

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Cursor Terminal AI Not Working — How to Fix Ctrl+K in Terminal

Fix Cursor's terminal AI feature when Ctrl+K stops working or is missing. Step-by-step solutions to restore AI command generation in the terminal panel.

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Cursor Update Failed / Won't Update — How to Fix It

Cursor update failing or stuck on an old version? Follow these step-by-step fixes to manually update, reinstall, or clear cache and get back to coding.

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Cursor Vim Mode Conflict with AI — How to Fix It

Vim mode in Cursor conflicting with AI shortcuts? Learn how to remap keybindings, use the keybinding editor, and restore full AI chat functionality fast.

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Frequently asked questions about Cursor

Why is Cursor autocomplete not showing suggestions?
The most common causes are an expired API key, a full context window, or a conflicting VS Code extension. Start by checking your API key in Cursor Settings → Models, then disable other AI extensions like GitHub Copilot that may conflict.
Does Cursor work without an API key?
Cursor includes a built-in free tier with limited completions per month that does not require your own API key. Once that quota is exhausted, you need to provide an OpenAI or Anthropic API key or upgrade to Cursor Pro.
Why does Cursor say "context window exceeded"?
This error appears when the combined size of your open files, conversation history, and selected code exceeds the model's token limit. Try closing unused files in Cursor's context, starting a new chat session, or using a model with a larger context window like Claude 3.5 Sonnet.
How do I update Cursor to the latest version?
In Cursor, go to Help → Check for Updates (Mac) or open the Command Palette and type "Check for Updates". Keeping Cursor updated is important as many autocomplete and chat bugs are fixed in patch releases.