How to Install MCP Servers in Windsurf
How to configure MCP servers in Windsurf (Codeium) — the mcp_config.json location, the JSON shape, and how to load the servers into Cascade.
Where the config lives
- All platforms
~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/path/to/allowed/dir"],
"env": {}
}
}
}Step by step
- 1
Open the MCP config
In Windsurf, open Cascade and go to the MCP / plugins settings, then choose to edit the raw config — or open ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json directly.
- 2
Add the server under mcpServers
Add a named entry with "command", "args", and an optional "env" object for secrets, using the standard stdio shape.
- 3
Refresh and use it in Cascade
Save the file and refresh the MCP servers from the Windsurf MCP panel (or restart Windsurf). The tools then become available to Cascade.
Popular MCP servers to try in Windsurf
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Windsurf MCP config file?
Windsurf reads ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json. You can edit it from the MCP settings inside Cascade or open the file directly. It uses the same "mcpServers" shape as other MCP clients.
How do I reload MCP servers in Windsurf?
After editing mcp_config.json, use the refresh action in the Windsurf MCP panel, or restart Windsurf. New or changed servers are not picked up until you refresh or relaunch.
Does Windsurf support the same MCP servers as Cursor and Claude?
Yes. MCP is a shared protocol, so any stdio MCP server works across Windsurf, Cursor, Claude Desktop, and Claude Code — only the config file location and, for VS Code, the JSON key differ.