Windsurf Is Now Devin Desktop: How to Set Up and Use It
Windsurf, the AI code editor, was renamed Devin Desktop on 2 June 2026. It is the same editor with a new Agent Command Center. Its old agent, Cascade, has been replaced by Devin Local.
In short: existing Windsurf users got Devin Desktop as a normal update. New users download Devin Desktop. Use Devin Local as the agent; Cascade has been removed.
Why this matters
Many guides online still say “Windsurf” and “Cascade”. Those steps no longer match the app. Knowing the new names saves confusion when you install or follow tutorials.
What is what now
- Devin Desktop: the new name for Windsurf. Full IDE (VS Code-based) plus an Agent Command Center.
- Agent Command Center: one Kanban view to manage local and cloud agent sessions. Spaces group related sessions, PRs and files.
- Devin Local: the local agent in Devin Desktop, successor to Cascade. Supports subagents.
- Devin Cloud: the autonomous agent that runs on its own cloud machine (separate product).
- Agent / Editor switch: flip between the agent view and the classic editor.
- Windsurf JetBrains plugin: in maintenance mode; the recommended JetBrains path is Devin over ACP.
How setup flows
Install steps
- Already on Windsurf? Accept the normal update. Your plan, extensions and settings stay.
- New user: download Devin Desktop from the official Devin website and install it.
- Sign in with your account.
- If settings or login did not carry over, open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and run Reset migration from Windsurf, then import again.
- Open your project. Use the Agent/Editor switch to choose your view.
Settings
- Agent: Devin Local is the only local agent. Old Cascade chats can be moved with the “Continue in Devin Local” prompt.
- Where the agent runs: the agent location picker offers Local, Worktree (a separate Git worktree) or Cloud.
- Extensions and keybindings: compatible with Windsurf and VS Code ones.
- Company users: Enterprise customers should plan the move with their account team.
Configuration
- Keep project rules in a short AGENTS.md in the repo root, and check the Devin docs for any extra rule files it reads.
- Use Worktree for risky agent tasks, so your main working folder stays clean.
First task (5 minutes)
- Open a small repo, switch to Agent, start a Devin Local session.
- Ask: “Add input checks to the function in utils.py and a pytest test. Run the tests.”
- Review the diff and the commands. Approve only what you understand.
- Switch back to Editor to read the code yourself.
| Old name (Windsurf era) | New name (2026) |
|---|---|
| Windsurf | Devin Desktop |
| Cascade (local agent) | Devin Local |
| Devin in Windsurf | Devin Cloud |
| Windsurf JetBrains plugin | Devin over ACP (recommended) |
Quick quiz
1. What is Windsurf called now?
Devin Desktop (since 2 June 2026).
2. What replaced the Cascade agent?
Devin Local.
3. What is the Agent Command Center?
A Kanban view to manage local and cloud agent sessions in one place.
4. Login lost after migrating — what do you run?
“Reset migration from Windsurf” from the Command Palette.
Save tokens and money
Run small tasks with Devin Local, not Cloud. Group related work in one Space so context is shared instead of repeated. Start a fresh session for unrelated tasks.