What Windsurf memory is
Memories is Windsurf's system for sharing and persisting context across conversations (Windsurf docs). There are two mechanisms. Cascade can automatically generate Memories, and you can manually define rules at the local and global levels. You reach both through the Customizations icon in the top right slider menu in Cascade, or via Windsurf Settings in the bottom-right corner (Windsurf docs).
How auto-generated memories work
During a conversation, Cascade can automatically generate and store memories when it encounters context it believes is useful to remember. Autogenerated memories are associated with the workspace where they were created, and Cascade retrieves them when it believes they are relevant. Creating and using auto-generated memories does not consume credits (Windsurf docs).
Ask Cascade to remember something
You do not have to wait for Cascade to decide. You can ask Cascade to create a memory at any time. Just prompt Cascade to "create a memory of ..." (Windsurf docs). Use it for preferences or decisions you want carried into later conversations in the same workspace.
Write rules Cascade follows
Rules are instructions you explicitly define for Cascade to follow. They work at two levels. Global rules live in global_rules.md and apply across all workspaces. Workspace rules live in the .windsurf/rules directory and can be tied to globs or natural language descriptions. Windsurf automatically discovers rules from multiple locations, and in git repositories it also searches up to the git root to find rules in parent directories. When you create a new rule, it is saved in the .windsurf/rules directory of your current workspace, not necessarily at the git root (Windsurf docs).
Rules limits and activation modes
Each rules file is limited to 12000 characters. Windsurf rules support four activation modes. Always On applies a rule at all times. Model Decision lets the model decide whether to apply the rule, based on a natural language description you write. Glob applies a rule to all files matching a pattern you define (e.g. .js or src/**/ *.ts). Keep rules simple, concise, and specific, because rules that are too long or vague may confuse Cascade. The Windsurf team also curates example rule templates at windsurf.com/editor/directory (Windsurf docs).
System rules for organizations
Enterprise organizations can deploy system-level rules that apply globally across all workspaces and cannot be modified by end users without administrator permissions. System-level rules are merged with workspace and global rules, so they add context without overriding what users defined (Windsurf docs). For individual use, global rules in global_rules.md apply across all workspaces (Windsurf docs).
Where KnowMan fits
Memories keep workspace context and rules keep instructions, both inside Windsurf (Windsurf docs). KnowMan adds a personal library beside the editor. It saves articles and links, reads and tags them, answers questions with citations, and keeps memories as claims, decisions and playbooks (persistent memory for AI agents). Its MCP server runs locally with npx -y @knowman/mcp on Node 22 or newer, or as a hosted server at https://api.knowman.io/mcp. Tools include kb_search for saved items, kb_ask for cited answers and kb_memories for saved claims, decisions and playbooks. The local server talks to KnowMan's HTTP API with a Bearer key in KNOWMAN_API_KEY, created at Settings > Connections > Connect an AI agent in the web app. The hosted server supports OAuth sign-in on the KnowMan consent page or an API key sent as an Authorization: Bearer <key> header. KnowMan documents client configs for Claude Desktop, Claude Code and Cursor (MCP server guide).
Use the hosted KnowMan server
To use KnowMan from a client that supports remote MCP servers, add https://api.knowman.io/mcp. Sign in with OAuth on the KnowMan consent page, or create an API key in KnowMan settings and send it as an Authorization: Bearer <key> header. The open-source client is available on GitHub.
Ask the assistant to search or save information, such as "search my KnowMan for ..." or "save this URL".
Questions people ask
Does Windsurf have memory?
Yes. Memories is Windsurf's system for sharing and persisting context across conversations, with two mechanisms: auto-generated Memories and manually defined rules. See Windsurf docs.
How do I make Windsurf remember something?
Prompt Cascade to "create a memory of ..." and it will store it. Rules are the manual alternative, defined at the global or workspace level. See Windsurf docs.
Do Windsurf memories work across workspaces?
No. Memories generated in one workspace will not be available in another. Cascade retrieves them when it believes they are relevant. See Windsurf docs.
Do Windsurf memories cost credits?
No. Creating and using auto-generated memories does not consume credits. See Windsurf docs.