> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.testfirst.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.testfirst.com/test-execution/cloud-runners.md).

# Cloud Runners

Cloud Runners are responsible for executing your **automated tests**.

They pick up tests from the queue and run them in a managed environment - no setup required.

The **Cloud Runners** page gives you visibility into:

* Available runners
* Current execution state
* Runner allocation during test runs

### **Runner States**

* **Initializing**
  * Runner is starting up and preparing for execution
* **Ready**
  * Runner is available and waiting for a test
* **Running Test**
  * Runner is actively executing a test

### How It Works

* Tests are added to the **Automated Test Queue**
* A cloud runner is assigned automatically
* The runner executes the test
* Results are returned to Test Runs

***

### On-Premise Runners

In addition to cloud runners, you can use your own infrastructure.

#### **What They Are**

On-premise runners are **self-hosted runners** that execute tests within your environment.

### Manage On-Premise Runners

Right-click on a runner to perform actions:

* **Enable / Disable**
  * Control whether the runner is used for execution
* **Delete**
  * Removes the runner permanently
  * Invalidates its registration

{% hint style="info" %}
Disabled runners are excluded from execution\
Deleted runners must be re-registered to be used again
{% endhint %}

### Generate Registration Token

* Click **Generate Registration Token**\
  &#x20;<img src="/files/1wa2WKIjRJmordecgLOD" alt="" data-size="original">
* A registration token is copied
* Use it to [set up a self-hosted on-premise runner](/test-execution/cloud-runners/set-up-an-on-premise-test-runner.md)