diff --git a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/utils.py b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/utils.py
index 2b3c35c23a..7b02585892 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/utils.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/utils.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import os
 import nuke
 
 from openpype import resources
-from .lib import maintained_selection
+from qtpy import QtWidgets
 
 
 def set_context_favorites(favorites=None):
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ def bake_gizmos_recursively(in_group=None):
     Arguments:
         is_group (nuke.Node)[optonal]: group node or all nodes
     """
+    from .lib import maintained_selection
     if in_group is None:
         in_group = nuke.Root()
     # preserve selection after all is done
@@ -129,3 +130,11 @@ def get_colorspace_list(colorspace_knob):
         reduced_clrs.append(clrs)
 
     return reduced_clrs
+
+
+def is_headless():
+    """
+    Returns:
+        bool: headless
+    """
+    return QtWidgets.QApplication.instance() is None
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/workio.py b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/workio.py
index 5692f8e63c..8d29e0441f 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/workio.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/nuke/api/workio.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 """Host API required Work Files tool"""
 import os
 import nuke
+from .utils import is_headless
 
 
 def file_extensions():
@@ -25,6 +26,12 @@ def open_file(filepath):
     # To remain in the same window, we have to clear the script and read
     # in the contents of the workfile.
     nuke.scriptClear()
+    if not is_headless():
+        autosave = nuke.toNode("preferences")["AutoSaveName"].evaluate()
+        autosave_prmpt = "Autosave detected.\nWould you like to load the autosave file?"       # noqa
+        if os.path.isfile(autosave) and nuke.ask(autosave_prmpt):
+            filepath = autosave
+
     nuke.scriptReadFile(filepath)
     nuke.Root()["name"].setValue(filepath)
     nuke.Root()["project_directory"].setValue(os.path.dirname(filepath))