Set up and run your first scheduled Cowork task
Learn how to automate a simple task with Cowork scheduling. Start with read-only, confirm permissions, then run.
Last tested Mar 19, 2026
Access Scope
Local Folders
Permitted Actions
Why these permissions? Start with read-only access to keep your data safe while you verify Cowork understands your task. After the first successful run, you can grant write access if the task needs to create or modify files.
Workflow Steps
Describe your task in plain English
Tell Cowork exactly what you want automated: what files or folders it needs, when it should run, and what the output should be.
Start with read-only access
For safety, grant only read access to the folder(s) Cowork needs. Cowork will propose a schedule and detailed prompt.
Review permissions and prompt
Cowork shows you the proposed task, schedule, and exact permissions it needs. Review and ask clarifying questions if needed.
Approve and run the first task
Once you're confident, approve the task. Cowork runs it immediately so you can verify the output before scheduling it for later.
Check output and confirm write access
Review what Cowork created. If it looks correct and the task needs to write files (not just read), confirm write permissions for future runs.
Cowork Prompt Pack
Cowork-readyI want to automate [describe your task]. It should run [daily/weekly/monthly] at [specific time]. I'll give you read-only access to [folder path]. Before you start, confirm you understand: (1) what files you'll read, (2) what output format I want, and (3) where to save results. Ask if anything is unclear.
Verification Checklist
0 of 5 verified