→How to Migrate from Windsurf to Cursor (Step-by-Step)
Last updated: April 2026
Developers migrate from Windsurf to Cursor primarily for Cursor's deeper VS Code foundation, which offers superior extension compatibility and a more familiar interface while maintaining powerful AI capabilities. While Windsurf excels at multi-file Cascade edits, Cursor provides more comprehensive codebase understanding and better integration with existing development ecosystems. This guide covers exporting Windsurf settings, transferring project configurations, adapting to Cursor's AI workflow, and mapping key features between the two editors to ensure a smooth transition with minimal productivity disruption.
Estimated Timeline
solo user
2-4 hours
small team
1-3 days
enterprise
1-2 weeks
Migration Steps
Backup Windsurf Settings and Export Data
easyInstall Cursor and Configure Basic Settings
easyTransfer Project Configurations and Dependencies
mediumConfigure AI Settings and Context Management
mediumAdapt to Cursor's AI Workflow and Testing
hardMigrate Team Workflows and Collaboration Settings
mediumPerformance Optimization and Final Validation
mediumFeature Mapping
| Windsurf | Cursor Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cascade multi-file editing | AI Chat with @-referencing | Cursor uses chat interface with file references rather than dedicated Cascade UI |
| Built-in terminal | Integrated terminal | Both have similar terminal integration, but Cursor's inherits VS Code's more mature terminal |
| GitHub integration | GitHub Copilot integration | Cursor has deeper GitHub Copilot integration alongside standard Git features |
| Intelligent code completion | AI-powered autocomplete | Cursor's autocomplete uses broader codebase context with multiple AI model options |
| Context-aware suggestions | Codebase-aware AI | Cursor analyzes entire project structure for more comprehensive understanding |
| AI-powered refactoring | AI refactoring tools | Cursor offers similar refactoring with different command structures and shortcuts |
| Custom workflows | VS Code extensions | Cursor supports full VS Code extension ecosystem, offering more workflow customization |
Data Transfer Guide
Windsurf doesn't have a direct export-to-Cursor feature, but you can transfer key configurations manually. Export Windsurf settings via File > Preferences > Settings (JSON) and copy relevant configurations to Cursor's settings.json. For keybindings, export Windsurf's keybindings.json and adapt any non-standard bindings for Cursor's VS Code foundation. Custom snippets can be copied from Windsurf's snippet files to Cursor's equivalent. Project-specific settings in .windsurf directories should be reviewed and manually transferred to appropriate .vscode or Cursor configuration files. GitHub authentication and repository connections will need fresh setup in Cursor.