# Set Workflow Timeouts

> Use SetWorkflowTimeout to limit workflow execution time. Timed-out workflows are cancelled.

- Skill: `tools-only/set-workflow-timeouts` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tools-only/set-workflow-timeouts`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/set-workflow-timeouts/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-29
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/set-workflow-timeouts

---


## Set Workflow Timeouts

Use `SetWorkflowTimeout` to limit workflow execution time. Timed-out workflows are cancelled.

**Incorrect (no timeout):**

```python
@DBOS.workflow()
def potentially_long_workflow():
    # Could run forever!
    while not done:
        process_next()
```

**Correct (with timeout):**

```python
from dbos import SetWorkflowTimeout

@DBOS.workflow()
def bounded_workflow():
    while not done:
        process_next()

# Workflow must complete within 60 seconds
with SetWorkflowTimeout(60):
    bounded_workflow()

# Or with start_workflow
with SetWorkflowTimeout(60):
    handle = DBOS.start_workflow(bounded_workflow)
```

Timeout behavior:
- Timeout is **start-to-completion** (doesn't count queue wait time)
- Timeouts are **durable** (persist across restarts)
- Cancellation happens at the **beginning of the next step**
- **All child workflows** are also cancelled

With queues:

```python
queue = Queue("example_queue")

# Timeout starts when dequeued, not when enqueued
with SetWorkflowTimeout(30):
    queue.enqueue(my_workflow)
```

Timeouts work with long durations (hours, days, weeks) since they're stored in the database.

Reference: [Workflow Timeouts](https://docs.dbos.dev/python/tutorials/workflow-tutorial#workflow-timeouts)