Is Devin Desktop the same editor as Windsurf?
Devin Desktop is the new name for the Windsurf desktop editor. Cognition describes the rename as an update for existing desktop users. Current setup instructions cover Mac, Windows and Linux.
If you’re following an old Windsurf tutorial, look for the same job in the current editor. Devin Local is now the primary local agent. Older tutorials may show Cascade. The separate Windsurf plugins have their own instructions, so check that your tutorial is for the desktop editor before following it.
How do you give Devin Local one edit you can review?
Open a folder you’re allowed to use and start with a question. Ask mode can read and explain code without editing it. If you move to an editing mode, give it one visible result to change and inspect the highlighted differences.
For example, in a disposable page with no connected services, ask which file contains a link label before asking it to change that label. Check any request to run a command or access another folder. You can keep permissions narrow and decide separately whether to connect other tools.
The default editor view highlights individual changes and offers accept and reject controls. If you turn that view off, the edits go straight into the file. Use Git to compare the saved and current versions before sharing either way.
Where do Devin Local, remote editing and Devin Cloud run?
Devin Local works with files and tools on your computer. Devin Desktop also has an SSH connection for supported Linux hosts you can already access. Devin Cloud is a hosted service with its own setup and plan access.
| Where | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Your computer | What project files and commands the agent can use. Check separately whether its AI requests send project context to an online service. |
| A remote Linux computer | You need OpenSSH and permission to connect. Use the editor’s supported SSH option. Microsoft’s VS Code Remote SSH extension is a separate implementation. |
| Devin Cloud | Check access in your plan and decide which repository and connected services the hosted session can reach. |
What costs money in Devin Desktop?
The public Free plan has a limited agent allowance. Pro lists $20 per month and includes access to Devin Cloud. Check the price and currency shown in your account and whether extra model usage can add charges.
On Pro, the included usage is shared with eligible Devin Cloud and terminal sessions. Check the account’s usage before adding credit.
You can inspect the highlighted code changes yourself. Quick Review is a separate option that asks another agent to review the changes. Its available models and usage costs vary. Check those before starting an automated review.
What do you keep if you stop using Devin Desktop?
Keep the code in a folder or repository you control. Before changing tools, save the changes you want and check that you can open the project in another editor. If an agent worked elsewhere, bring back the intended changes and review them in your own copy.
A code copy can carry saved files and Git history. Check editor settings, account features and extensions separately. The rename documentation describes settings migration within the desktop product. Moving to a different editor is a separate job.