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How to set a default idle timeout for your GitHub Codespaces

Here is how to set a default idle timeout for your github codespaces

  1. First click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the header
  2. Next click on "Settings" option in the dropdown menu
  3. Click on "Codespaces" in the left sidebar under the "Code, planning, and automation" section
  4. Scroll down to the "Default idle timeout" section 
  5. Then enter the amount of time that you want a codespace to remain idle before it automatically suspends
  6. Finally click on the "Save" button to save the changes

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Why should you set a default idle timeout for your GitHub Codespaces

GitHub is the world's leading platform for collaborative coding, empowering developers to build and manage projects together seamlessly.

Setting a default idle timeout for your GitHub Codespaces ensures your resources are used efficiently, automatically shutting down inactive sessions. This prevents unnecessary consumption of computing power, reducing costs and maintaining project efficiency.

Additionally, having a default idle timeout boosts productivity by keeping your development environment focused and clutter-free, automatically removing unused workspaces.

By implementing this feature, developers can concentrate on essential tasks, knowing their Codespaces are optimized and secure.

Last update
April 10, 2026
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