Setup guide

How to add an MCP server to Windsurf

Windsurf (Cascade) loads MCP servers from its own mcp_config.json, editable from the Cascade settings panel.

~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

Steps

1

Open Cascade MCP settings

In Windsurf open the Cascade panel → click the hammer/MCP icon → "Configure", which opens ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json.
2

Add the server

Add a named entry under "mcpServers" with the command and args from the connector page.
3

Refresh

Click "Refresh" in the MCP panel so Cascade reloads the config and starts the server.
4

Use it

Ask Cascade for a task the server enables; its tools become available in the conversation.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"]
    }
  }
}

Where is the Windsurf MCP config?

At ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json. The Cascade MCP panel → Configure opens it directly.

How do I reload an MCP server in Windsurf?

Use the Refresh button in the Cascade MCP panel after editing the config — no full restart needed.

Does Windsurf use the same config format as Claude Desktop?

Yes — the "mcpServers" object with command/args is the same shape, just in a different file.

Browse verified MCP servers with copy-paste config for Windsurf and other clients.

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