How to host Github Runners for enterprise with Github App ?

[brandonfl]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

Body

Hello,

I am trying to figure out how to set up self-hosted runners for an enterprise with a GitHub App. The GitHub App permissions do not include "manage_runners:enterprise"; only the organization-level permission is available.

Does that mean I am forced to use a PAT to do this?

Thanks in advance for your help.
BrandonFL

[waqasulhaqqureshi]

Hey Brandon! To answer your question directly:

1. GitHub App Limitation: Yes, you hit the exact reason—enterprise-level GitHub Apps currently do not support a native manage_runners:enterprise permission scope (organization-level permissions exist, but enterprise ones do not).

2. Authentication Options: You aren't completely stuck, but you do have to pivot away from a GitHub App for enterprise scoping. You will need to use a Personal Access Token (PAT) (classic or fine-grained with enterprise runner scopes) or deploy via tools like Actions Runner Controller (ARC) using alternative credentials.

3. Organization-Level Workaround:** If enterprise-wide management isn't a strict requirement for your setup, dropping down to register the runners at the organization level will let you use a GitHub App smoothly since those permissions are fully supported there.

[brandonfl]

Thanks for the answer 😃