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How to install an MCP server in Cursor

Quick answer. In Cursor, add the server to ~/.cursor/mcp.json (global) or .cursor/mcp.json (project root), using an mcpServers block with the server's command and args. Open Settings → MCP, toggle it on, and confirm its tools load. Use absolute paths — Cursor does not inherit your shell's working directory.

Where does Cursor read MCP config from?

Global: ~/.cursor/mcp.json. Per-project: .cursor/mcp.json at the repo root (committed and shared). Both use the same {"mcpServers": { "name": { "command": …, "args": [ … ] } }} shape.

Why isn't my MCP server showing up in Cursor?

The three usual causes: (1) the Enable MCP Servers toggle in Settings → MCP is off; (2) a relative path in args — Cursor doesn't inherit your shell cwd, so use absolute paths; (3) a Node/npx/uvx prerequisite is missing. Restart Cursor after editing the file.

FAQ

Can I scope an MCP server to one project in Cursor?

Yes — put it in .cursor/mcp.json at the project root; it's committed and shared with the repo.

Which MCP servers are worth installing in Cursor?

See tashan's tashan score-ranked Index — every server is scored on measured adoption and upkeep, not stars.

See the ranked Index ›

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