Developer IDEs

Can I delete Cursor from my Mac?

Yes, you can delete it

You can delete Cursor from your Mac, but the application binary removal does not erase your local data folders. These directories persist until you manually remove them, potentially retaining between 500 MB – 10 GB of information.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

See how much space Cursor really takes before you decide

Cursor data usually takes 500 MB – 10 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application: Cursor
Typical data size: 500 MB – 10 GB
Category: Developer IDEs
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Cursor

What you lose and keep with Cursor

Specific to Cursor

Deleting the app binary leaves your personal settings, chat history, and unsaved file backups intact within the Library. Your account subscription and cloud-synced plans remain unaffected because they exist independently of the local installation. However, local project rules stored in .cursor folders and specific workspace states are lost only if you also delete those directories. The app’s cache and logs are rebuilt automatically, so clearing them poses no risk to your core data.

Where your Cursor data lives

These folders hold your own Cursor data. Deleting the app leaves them in place; removing them is what actually deletes it.

~/Library/Application Support/Cursor App data · settings, workspaceStorage, chat state and caches Back up first: your data~/Library/Application Support/Cursor/Backups App data · hot-exit copies of unsaved files Back up first: your data

Account and sync: Cursor requires a Cursor account for its AI features; the plan and usage belong to that account.
License: Paid plans are subscriptions tied to the Cursor account.
Your files: User settings are in the User folder inside ~/Library/Application Support/Cursor; projects stay where they are.

Preparing before you delete Cursor

Since the application relies on a subscription tied to your account, canceling it in your dashboard prevents unwanted charges. You should export your keybindings, settings, and snippets from the User folder to preserve your customized environment. Check for any local project rules or prompts saved in project directories or app settings that you might need later. If you installed the cursor shell command, remove it from your PATH to avoid broken references after uninstallation.

Cancel your subscription in your account settings if no longer needed.Export settings.json, keybindings.json, and snippets from the User folder.Save any local rules or prompts stored in project .cursor folders.Remove the cursor shell command from PATH if you installed it.

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How to delete Cursor completely

Quit Cursor, move it to the Trash, then remove what it left in ~/Library/Application Support/Cursor. The full step-by-step guide:

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Frequently asked questions

Will deleting Cursor delete my files?

No. Removing the app doesn't touch documents you saved in other folders. Only the app and, if you remove them, its own support files are deleted.

Will my paid subscription stop automatically?

No, the subscription is tied to your account and continues until you explicitly cancel it in your account settings.

Does deleting the app remove my chat history?

No, chat history resides in workspaceStorage and persists until you manually delete the specific data folders.