diff --git a/init.vim b/init.vim
index 663c36e..dd4161b 100644
--- a/init.vim
+++ b/init.vim
@@ -89,3 +89,7 @@ au FocusLost * :wa
 set background=light
 set termguicolors
 colorscheme breezy
+
+" ensure autoread works, to detect file changes outside the editor
+set autoread
+au CursorHold * checktime