---
feature_id: FTR-23
title: Agent Instructions Sync
category: Health & Maintenance
optional: false
depends_on: none
registry_refs: [2.14, 5.21]
---

# Agent Instructions Sync

## What this is
A protocol that keeps the two copies of the agent instructions aligned — the Claude Project Instructions field and `admin\AGENT_INSTRUCTIONS.md` on the file system. At conversation start, the agent compares them and surfaces any drift rather than proceeding on stale instructions.

## Assess first
- Confirm both copies exist: the Project Instructions field content and `admin\AGENT_INSTRUCTIONS.md`.
- Compare their "Last Updated" date and "Bootstrap Version." If they differ, this feature's behavior is exactly what's needed at conversation open.

## Ask, only if needed
Nothing to ask — proceed directly to Write.

## Write
Add this section to `admin\AGENT_INSTRUCTIONS.md`:

```
◆ AGENT INSTRUCTIONS SYNC PROTOCOL

Agent instructions live in two places: the Project Instructions field and
admin\AGENT_INSTRUCTIONS.md. The filename never changes. All changes are
logged in the Setup & Change Log.

At conversation start where instructions may have been updated:
1. Compare Project Instructions vs. admin\AGENT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
2. Check Last Updated date and Bootstrap Version
3. If they differ: flag and walk through reconciliation
4. Never proceed on stale instructions without surfacing the issue

When the two differ, the local file governs.
```

## Confirm
Confirm: the Agent Instructions Sync protocol is installed — the agent will compare your Project Instructions field against the local file at conversation start and flag any drift. Want to install another, or is that everything for now?