VS Code Bans Cursor? Microsoft Prohibits Its Use of Official C/C++/C# Extensions

Microsoft restricts AI-powered Cursor IDE from using VSCode's C/C++/C# extensions. Is this a move to suppress competition? Learn the details & workarounds.

Apr 21, 2025

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Microsoft recently imposed restrictions on Cursor, an AI-powered programming tool built on VSCode, prohibiting it from using official C/C++ and C# extensions.

Cursor is a next-generation integrated development environment (IDE) powered by artificial intelligence. Its development team, hailing from MIT, includes key members Michael Truell, Aman Sanger, Sualeh Asif, and Arvid Lunnemark. They co-founded Anysphere in 2022 and launched Cursor.

Built on VSCode’s open-source technology, Cursor redefines the modern programming experience by deeply integrating AI capabilities.

However, Cursor comes with a cost (though there are ways to use it for free indefinitely). It’s undeniably powerful and shows potential to overtake VSCode, so it’s no surprise that VSCode is nervous and trying to suppress it.

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