Connecting to Windsurf

Learn how to integrate your professional profile MCP server with Windsurf for enhanced AI interactions.

Prerequisites

  • A created and configured professional profile (see Getting Started Guide)
  • Your MCP server URL from your dashboard
  • Windsurf installed on your computer
  • Basic familiarity with Windsurf's interface

What is Windsurf?

Windsurf is a desktop application that provides an advanced interface for interacting with large language models like Claude. It supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing you to enhance your AI interactions with additional context and capabilities.

Windsurf Interface Windsurf Interface Screenshot (Placeholder)

Installation

Step 1: Download Windsurf

Download the latest version of Windsurf from the official website or repository.

Windows
Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

macOS
macOS 11 or later

Linux
AppImage, deb, and rpm

Step 2: Install Windsurf

Windows

  1. Run the downloaded installer (.exe)
  2. Follow the installation prompts
  3. Launch Windsurf after installation

macOS

  1. Open the downloaded .dmg file
  2. Drag the Windsurf app to your Applications folder
  3. Launch Windsurf from your Applications folder

Linux

  1. For AppImage: Make the file executable (chmod +x) and run it
  2. For .deb: Use dpkg -i windsurf_X.X.X.deb
  3. For .rpm: Use rpm -i windsurf_X.X.X.rpm

Connecting to Your MCP Server

Step 1: Launch Windsurf

Open Windsurf on your computer. If this is your first time using Windsurf, you might need to complete the initial setup.

Step 2: Access MCP Settings

Click on the "Settings" or "Preferences" option in the application menu. Then navigate to the "MCP Connections" or "Integrations" tab.

Windsurf Settings Windsurf Settings Screenshot (Placeholder)

Step 3: Add New MCP Connection

Click on "Add New Connection" or "+" button to add a new MCP server connection.

Add MCP Connection Add Connection Screenshot (Placeholder)

Step 4: Enter MCP Server Details

In the connection dialog, enter the following information:

  • Connection Name: A friendly name for this connection (e.g., "My Professional Profile")
  • MCP Server URL: Your MCP server URL from your dashboard
  • Connection Type: Select "Professional Profile" or "MCP Server"

Enter MCP URL Enter MCP Details Screenshot (Placeholder)

Step 5: Connect and Verify

Click "Connect" or "Save" to establish the connection. Windsurf will verify the connection to your MCP server. Once connected, you'll see a confirmation message.

Connection Confirmation Connection Confirmation Screenshot (Placeholder)

Using Your Professional Profile in Windsurf

Once your MCP server is connected to Windsurf, you can start leveraging your professional profile in your conversations:

Activating Your Profile

In the conversation interface, look for an option to enable MCP connections for the current conversation. This might be a toggle or button in the sidebar or settings panel. Make sure your professional profile connection is enabled.

Interacting with Claude

With your profile enabled, you can now ask Claude questions that leverage your professional background, such as:

  • "What are my strongest skills based on my resume?"
  • "Help me draft a cover letter for a marketing position."
  • "Prepare some interview questions based on my experience."
  • "What career paths align with my skill set?"

Configuration Options

Windsurf offers several configuration options for MCP connections:

Auto-Enable for New Conversations

In the MCP settings, you can choose to automatically enable your professional profile for all new conversations. This saves you from having to manually enable it each time.

Resource Selection

Windsurf may allow you to choose which parts of your professional profile to include in conversations. For example, you might want to include your resume but exclude your LinkedIn profile for certain conversations.

Connection Priority

If you have multiple MCP connections, you can set the priority order. This is useful if you have multiple professional profiles for different purposes.

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

If you're having trouble connecting to your MCP server:

  • Verify that your MCP server URL is correct
  • Check your internet connection
  • Ensure your MCP server is online and accessible
  • Check Windsurf's network settings for any proxy or firewall configurations
  • Restart Windsurf and try connecting again

Profile Not Being Used

If Claude doesn't seem to be using your professional profile:

  • Make sure the MCP connection is enabled for the current conversation
  • Try explicitly asking Claude to use your professional context
  • Check if your profile contains enough information to be useful
  • Disconnect and reconnect your MCP server

Next Steps