Run Cursor AI in the Cloud with Remote Desktop Access

If you want to run Cursor AI on a cloud server and access it via Remote Desktop (RDP) with a full GUI, here’s a complete guide. You’ll be able to edit code with AI assistance from anywhere using just your browser or Remote Desktop client.

This guide will walk you through installing a lightweight desktop environment, configuring XRDP, and setting up the Cursor AI editor on your Ubuntu 24.04 server.

Table of Contents

1. Step 1: Create a Vultr Server
2. Step 2: Install a Lightweight Desktop Environment
3. Step 3: Install and Configure XRDP
4. Step 4: Setup GNOME Keyring
5. Step 5: Install Chromium Browser
6. Step 6: Install Cursor AI
7. Step 7: Access Your Ubuntu Remote Desktop
8. Conclusion

Step 1: Create a Vultr Server

1. Register on Vultr using my affiliate link: https://www.vultr.com/?ref=9755434 to get $300 in free credits (as long as the promotion lasts).
2. Choose Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit) as the OS.
3. Suggested configurations:
   • Minimum: Shared CPU, 2 vCPU, 2 GB RAM
   • Ideal: Dedicated CPU, 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM

Step 2: Install a Lightweight Desktop Environment

We’ll use Xfce because it’s lightweight and fast.

1. Update packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

1. Install Xfce:

sudo apt install -y xfce4 xfce4-goodies

Step 3: Install and Configure XRDP

XRDP allows RDP clients to access your Ubuntu desktop.

1. Install XRDP:

sudo apt install -y xrdp

1. Enable XRDP service:

sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp

1. Open RDP port in firewall:

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

1. Set the default desktop session:

echo "startxfce4" | sudo tee /etc/skel/.xsession

1. (Recommended) Create a non-root user:

adduser myuser
usermod -aG sudo myuser

Step 4: Setup GNOME Keyring

Some apps require a keyring daemon.

1. Install gnome-keyring:

sudo apt install -y gnome-keyring

1. Manually start it after login:

eval $(/usr/bin/gnome-keyring-daemon --start)

export SSH_AUTH_SOCK

1. Auto-start it via GUI:

   • Go to Settings > Session and Startup
   • Under Application Autostart, click Add
   • Name: GNOME Keyring
   • Command:

    /usr/bin/gnome-keyring-daemon --start --components=pkcs11,secrets,ssh,gpg
   

Step 5: Install Chromium Browser

Cursor AI may rely on browser-based features.

sudo apt install -y chromium-browser

Step 6: Install Cursor AI

Cursor AI is a powerful AI-based code editor.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ubuntu 24.04
• 2 GB RAM, 2 vCPU (shared)
• 3 GB disk space

Recommended Server:

• Dedicated 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM

1. Install FUSE (required for AppImage):

sudo apt install -y fuse

1. Download Cursor AI from the official site:

Open Chromium and go to https://cursor.com, then download the Linux AppImage.

1. After downloading:

cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x CursorAI.AppImage
<!-- ```
{% endraw %}
-->

4. (Optional) Move to global path:
{% raw %}

```bash 
sudo mv CursorAI.AppImage /opt/CursorAI.AppImage
sudo ln -s /opt/CursorAI.AppImage /usr/local/bin/cursor

1. Launch Cursor:

cursor

Step 7: Access Your Ubuntu Remote Desktop

1. Launch your RDP client (Windows/macOS/Linux).
2. Connect using your server’s IP and your non-root user credentials.
3. Once inside XFCE:

cursor

to launch the editor.

Conclusion

Your Ubuntu 24.04 server is now equipped with a fast desktop environment and the Cursor AI Editor for remote development. Enjoy AI-enhanced coding from anywhere in the world!

Tip: Sign up with my affiliate link: https://www.vultr.com/?ref=9755434 to get $300 free credits (as long as the promotion lasts).