diff --git a/lua/shelbybark/core/options.lua b/lua/shelbybark/core/options.lua
index 50ca50a..2cd41d7 100644
--- a/lua/shelbybark/core/options.lua
+++ b/lua/shelbybark/core/options.lua
@@ -46,3 +46,10 @@ opt.splitbelow = true -- split horizontal window to the bottom
 
 -- turn off swapfile
 opt.swapfile = false
+
+-- auto-reload files changed outside neovim
+opt.autoread = true
+vim.api.nvim_create_autocmd({ "FocusGained", "BufEnter", "CursorHold", "CursorHoldI" }, {
+  pattern = "*",
+  command = "checktime",
+})