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How to install Exa MCP Server in Windsurf

To install Exa MCP Server in Windsurf, paste the "exa-mcp-server" block into ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json and refresh the MCP panel in Cascade.

Built from the published package · server updated yesterday

  1. 1

    Open the MCP config

    In Windsurf, open Settings, then Cascade, then MCP servers, and choose to view the raw config.

  2. 2

    Add the server

    Paste this into mcp_config.json:

    {
      "mcpServers": {
        "exa-mcp-server": {
          "command": "npx",
          "args": [
            "-y",
            "exa-mcp-server"
          ]
        }
      }
    }
  3. 3

    Refresh

    Click refresh in the MCP panel. The server and its tools appear in Cascade.

Config file: ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

MCP servers run with your permissions. If Exa MCP Server needs an API key, add it under env in the config. Check its README.

Install Exa MCP Server in another app

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Questions

Does Exa MCP Server work in Windsurf?

Yes. Windsurf supports local and remote mcp servers, and Exa MCP Server installs with the steps above.

Exa MCP Server does not show up in Windsurf. What now?

Restart Windsurf fully, check the JSON is valid, and make sure Node.js (for npx) is installed. See common MCP errors and fixes.

Is Exa MCP Server safe?

It scores 94 of 100. Review the code before you install it, and only give it the access it needs. Grades and details.