diff --git a/.github/aw/update-agentic-workflow.md b/.github/aw/update-agentic-workflow.md
index df08540cfef..4cd86e4ab61 100644
--- a/.github/aw/update-agentic-workflow.md
+++ b/.github/aw/update-agentic-workflow.md
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ This prompt is for **updating existing workflows only**. For new workflows, use
 Use [workflow-editing.md](workflow-editing.md) as the source of truth.
 
 - frontmatter change → recompilation required
-- markdown-body-only change → no recompilation required
+- markdown-body-only change → no recompilation required for runtime behavior, but always compile to keep `.lock.yml` in sync
 
 ## Update Rules
 
@@ -98,10 +98,16 @@ network:
 ## Validation Flow
 
 - always inspect the workflow before editing
-- compile after frontmatter changes
+- always compile after any change to keep `.lock.yml` in sync
 - keep the workflow valid at every step
 - summarize what changed and whether recompilation was needed
 
+## Final Steps
+
+1. compile with `gh aw compile <workflow-id>`
+2. fix all compile errors
+3. include the updated `.lock.yml` in the PR
+
 ## Final Message Rules
 
 At the end, tell the user:
diff --git a/.github/aw/workflow-editing.md b/.github/aw/workflow-editing.md
index ef093ba9166..da0bc3bf921 100644
--- a/.github/aw/workflow-editing.md
+++ b/.github/aw/workflow-editing.md
@@ -24,7 +24,9 @@ Run `gh aw compile <workflow-id>` after changing:
 - `mcp-servers:`
 - engine, timeout, concurrency, or other YAML configuration
 
-## No Recompile Needed
+## No Recompile Required for Runtime Behavior
+
+Body-only edits take effect on the next run without recompilation.
 
 Edit the markdown body directly for:
 
@@ -36,6 +38,8 @@ Edit the markdown body directly for:
 
 Body changes take effect on the next run.
 
+**Always run `gh aw compile` after any change** (frontmatter or body) to keep `.lock.yml` metadata in sync.
+
 ## Validation Commands
 
 ```bash
@@ -51,8 +55,9 @@ Use `--strict` for production-quality validation.
 - Smallest change that satisfies the request.
 - Preserve structure unless reorganization is the task.
 - Never leave a workflow broken.
+- Always run `gh aw compile <workflow-id>` after any change (frontmatter or body) to keep `.lock.yml` in sync.
 - If compile fails, fix all errors before stopping.
-- After frontmatter changes, review the generated `.lock.yml`.
+- After any change, review the generated `.lock.yml`.
 
 ## Prompt-Authoring Rules