Disable "Auto-close issues with merged linked pull requests" via ruleset.json

[marco-schm]

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I would like to be able to control the repository setting “Auto-close issues with merged linked pull requests” (as described here: Managing auto-closing issues
directly via a ruleset.json for branches.

Currently, when checking the Rulesets documentation
, I cannot find any field that allows me to set or disable this feature programmatically.

It would be very helpful to have a dedicated parameter in rulesets so that this setting can be managed via the json file, instead of manually toggling it in the UI.

[Sudip-329]

Currently, GitHub repository rulesets (rulesets.json) allow you to define branch protection rules, required reviews, status checks, and similar settings. However, as of now, there is no field in rulesets.json to control “Auto-close issues with merged linked pull requests”.

That setting is managed per repository in the UI:
Settings → General → Features → Auto-close issues

GitHub does not expose it via the API or rulesets yet, so you cannot programmatically enable/disable it in rulesets.json.

✅ Workarounds:

Manual toggle in UI (current standard way).

GitHub REST API / GraphQL: There is currently no endpoint to change this setting automatically.

So, short answer: you cannot control this via rulesets.json at the moment — it’s a manual-only setting.

Hope it is helpful.

[marco-schm]

Thank you. I already asked ChatGPT, so I’m not looking for an AI response. Do you know if this feature is planned for the API or the ruleset in the future? I have to change this setting in 400+ projects, so doing it manually would be very annoying.