After I change an MCP server (update tools, descriptions, etc.) it doesn’t update in Cursor. Even after I click Reload MCP Server or turn it off an on. It only updates when I restart Cursor.
Steps to Reproduce
I have a local MCP server. I update the code. And in cursor settings in Installed MCP servers it is not updated.
Hey @Mike1111, this is a known MCP quirk, MCP needs their host to be rebooted most of the time if their file config is modified, that means restarting Cursor or the platform you are using them.
The Reload MCP Server button restarts the connection to your server (it stops it and launches it again). That’s useful when a server has dropped, crashed, or gotten into a bad state.
What it currently doesn’t do reliably is pick up new or edited tools and descriptions after you change your server’s code. It reconnects but keeps showing the previously loaded tool list, so your edits don’t appear, and toggling the server off and on has the same problem. This is a known issue our team is actively investigating.
@Tom_Coustols - is right that a full restart is the fix for now: fully quitting and reopening Cursor is the reliable way to get your updated tools to show up.
If you’re actively developing the server, one thing worth trying: if your MCP framework can emit a notifications/tools/list_changed message when its tools change, Cursor is designed to refresh the list live without a restart. A full restart is still the most dependable option today.