Idle Pilot vs AutoHotkey Scripts

Compare Idle Pilot to AutoHotkey scripts for Slack presence. Why cloud scheduling beats DIY scripting for reliability and security.

Quick Verdict

Idle Pilot wins for reliability and security; AutoHotkey wins for free customization if you're technical.

AutoHotkey scripts can simulate activity to keep Slack active, but they require technical knowledge, only work when your PC is on, and can be flagged by security software. Idle Pilot provides reliable, cloud-based presence without scripting or security concerns.

Feature Comparison

FeatureIdle PilotAutoHotkey Scripts
Works with PC off Yes No
Technical skill requiredNoneScripting knowledge
Security software flags NoOften flagged
Cross-platform YesWindows only
Maintenance requiredNoneYou maintain it
Cost$4/monthFree

Idle Pilot Advantages

  • No coding required
  • Works when PC is off or asleep
  • Won't trigger antivirus or security alerts
  • Maintained and updated automatically
  • Works across platforms (not Windows-only)

AutoHotkey Scripts Advantages

  • Completely free
  • Highly customizable
  • Can automate other tasks too
  • No account or cloud service needed
  • Full control over behavior

Which Should You Choose?

If you want set-and-forget presence

Use: Idle Pilot

If you're on mac or linux

Use: Idle Pilot

If you enjoy scripting and want full control

Use: AutoHotkey

If you need to automate other windows tasks too

Use: AutoHotkey

What is AutoHotkey Scripts?

Custom scripts written in AutoHotkey (Windows) that simulate keyboard and mouse input to prevent idle detection and keep applications active.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will antivirus flag AutoHotkey scripts?
Often yes. AutoHotkey scripts that simulate input are frequently flagged as potentially malicious by antivirus and endpoint protection software, since the same techniques are used by malware. This can cause IT alerts or script termination.
Can I find pre-made Slack presence scripts?
Yes, various forums and GitHub have scripts for this purpose. However, running untrusted scripts poses security risks, and you're responsible for maintaining them. They also only work while your Windows PC is running.
Is AutoHotkey hard to learn?
Basic scripts are relatively simple, but reliable presence automation requires understanding timing, window focus, and edge cases. For most users, cloud-based scheduling is simpler than maintaining custom scripts.

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