diff --git a/compositor/src/backends/direct.rs b/compositor/src/backends/direct.rs
index ceedc2b..f69ba78 100644
--- a/compositor/src/backends/direct.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/backends/direct.rs
@@ -528,11 +528,14 @@ fn update_power_policy(state: &mut Ferese) {
     };
     if let Some(next) = super::power::policy_change(backend.active, backend.low_power, battery) {
         backend.low_power = next;
-        reload_outputs(state);
+        reload_outputs(state, false);
     }
 }
 
-pub(crate) fn reload_outputs(state: &mut Ferese) {
+pub(crate) fn reload_outputs(state: &mut Ferese, layout_dirty: bool) {
+    if let Some(backend) = state.direct_backend.as_mut() {
+        backend.topology.layout_dirty |= layout_dirty;
+    }
     reconcile_outputs(state, false);
 }
 
@@ -1088,6 +1091,14 @@ pub(crate) fn render_surface(
 }
 
 fn redraw(state: &mut Ferese, selected: Option<&[Output]>, source: &'static std::panic::Location<'static>) {
+    if let Some(transition) = state.desktop_transition.as_mut() {
+        transition.redraw.extend(
+            selected
+                .map(|outputs| outputs.to_vec())
+                .unwrap_or_else(|| state.space.outputs().cloned().collect()),
+        );
+        return;
+    }
     if state
         .direct_backend
         .as_ref()
@@ -1448,6 +1459,11 @@ fn refresh_connected_info(state: &mut Ferese) {
 
 fn remember_applied_configuration(state: &mut Ferese) {
     let backend = state.direct_backend.as_mut().unwrap();
+    if backend.topology.reconciling {
+        // Applied positions are read only after the coherent logical publish.
+        backend.topology.remember_applied = true;
+        return;
+    }
     let mut applied = backend.desired_outputs.clone();
     for desired in &mut applied.outputs {
         let monitor = backend.monitors.iter().find(|monitor| monitor.key == desired.key);
diff --git a/compositor/src/backends/direct/topology.rs b/compositor/src/backends/direct/topology.rs
index ee33771..1eb7391 100644
--- a/compositor/src/backends/direct/topology.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/backends/direct/topology.rs
@@ -77,6 +77,8 @@ pub(super) struct Topology {
     pub invalidated: HashSet<DrmNode>,
     pub reconciling: bool,
     pub dirty: bool,
+    pub layout_dirty: bool,
+    pub remember_applied: bool,
     pub retry_timer: Option<RegistrationToken>,
     pub settle_timer: Option<RegistrationToken>,
     pub coalescer: crate::output_policy::Debouncer,
@@ -165,6 +167,7 @@ pub(super) fn reconcile_outputs(state: &mut Ferese, reactivate: bool) {
     }
     paths.sort();
     let mut ready = Vec::new();
+    state.begin_desktop_transition();
 
     for node in invalidated {
         remove_device(state, node);
@@ -227,7 +230,14 @@ pub(super) fn reconcile_outputs(state: &mut Ferese, reactivate: bool) {
                     output.frame_pending = false;
                     output.lock_frame_pending = false;
                     output.power.suspended();
+                    state.session_lock.output_added(&output.output);
                     state.display_presentation.remove_output(&output.output);
+                    state
+                        .desktop_transition
+                        .as_mut()
+                        .unwrap()
+                        .redraw
+                        .insert(output.output.clone());
 
                     if let Err(error) = output.surface.clear().and_then(|()| output.surface.reset_state()) {
                         tracing::warn!(%error, ?node, ?crtc, "output reset failed; recreating output");
@@ -327,10 +337,19 @@ pub(super) fn reconcile_outputs(state: &mut Ferese, reactivate: bool) {
     }
 
     transaction::recover_last_output(state);
-    refresh_connected_info(state);
+    let mut desktop_changes = publish_runtime_desktop(state);
+    if std::mem::take(&mut state.direct_backend.as_mut().unwrap().topology.layout_dirty) {
+        desktop_changes.layout = true;
+        desktop_changes.shell = true;
+        desktop_changes.outputs.extend(state.space.outputs().cloned());
+    }
     let backend = state.direct_backend.as_mut().unwrap();
     backend.topology.reconciling = false;
     let retry = backend.topology.retry_deadline(backend.active);
+    if std::mem::take(&mut backend.topology.remember_applied) {
+        remember_applied_configuration(state);
+    }
+    refresh_connected_info(state);
     if let Some(deadline) = retry {
         match state
             .loop_handle
@@ -346,16 +365,81 @@ pub(super) fn reconcile_outputs(state: &mut Ferese, reactivate: bool) {
         }
     }
 
-    state.refresh_lock_outputs();
-    state.refresh_idle_inhibition();
     sync_battery_timer(state);
-    state.restore_output_focus();
-    state.relayout();
+    state.finish_desktop_transition(desktop_changes);
     state.notify_monitor_state();
-    render_all(state);
     lid::apply_suspend_policy(state);
 }
 
+/// Publish only hardware present after application, compensation and recovery.
+fn publish_runtime_desktop(state: &mut Ferese) -> crate::state::DesktopChanges {
+    let mut outputs = state
+        .direct_backend
+        .as_ref()
+        .unwrap()
+        .devices
+        .values()
+        .flat_map(|device| device.outputs.values())
+        .filter(|output| output.mirror_source.is_none())
+        .map(|output| {
+            (
+                output.identity.clone(),
+                output.output.clone(),
+                output.mode,
+                output.settings.clone(),
+            )
+        })
+        .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+    outputs.sort_by(|left, right| left.0.cmp(&right.0));
+    let mut right_edge = 0;
+    let runtime = outputs
+        .into_iter()
+        .map(|(identity, output, mode, settings)| {
+            let position = settings.position.unwrap_or_else(|| {
+                state
+                    .space
+                    .output_geometry(&output)
+                    .map(|geometry| [geometry.loc.x, geometry.loc.y])
+                    .unwrap_or([right_edge, 0])
+            });
+            let mode = OutputMode::from(mode);
+            let transform = output_transform(settings.transform);
+            let width = (transform.transform_size(mode.size).w as f64 / settings.scale).ceil() as i32;
+            right_edge = right_edge.max(position[0].saturating_add(width));
+            crate::state::DesktopOutput {
+                output,
+                identity,
+                mode,
+                transform,
+                scale: Scale::Fractional(settings.scale),
+                position: (position[0], position[1]).into(),
+            }
+        })
+        .collect();
+    let changes = state
+        .publish_desktop(runtime)
+        .expect("validated usable output inventory");
+    for device in state.direct_backend.as_mut().unwrap().devices.values_mut() {
+        for output in device.outputs.values_mut() {
+            if output.mirror_source.is_none() {
+                if output.global.is_none() {
+                    output.global = Some(output.output.create_global::<Ferese>(&state.display_handle));
+                }
+            } else {
+                // Mirrors are physical scanouts, not workspace-owning outputs.
+                output.output.change_current_state(
+                    Some(OutputMode::from(output.mode)),
+                    Some(output_transform(output.settings.transform)),
+                    Some(Scale::Fractional(output.settings.scale)),
+                    None,
+                );
+            }
+            output.surface.set_output_mode_source((&output.output).into());
+        }
+    }
+    changes
+}
+
 const SETTLE: Duration = Duration::from_millis(150);
 
 /// Trailing-edge coalescing; inactive events retain dirtiness without arming a timer.
diff --git a/compositor/src/backends/direct/transaction.rs b/compositor/src/backends/direct/transaction.rs
index 9d81419..7c2642b 100644
--- a/compositor/src/backends/direct/transaction.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/backends/direct/transaction.rs
@@ -365,6 +365,13 @@ impl crate::output_transaction::HardwareTransaction for DeviceTransaction<'_> {
             })
             .and_then(|()| output.surface.commit_frame().map_err(|error| error.to_string()));
         self.state.session_lock.output_added(&output.output);
+        self.state.display_presentation.remove_output(&output.output);
+        self.state
+            .desktop_transition
+            .as_mut()
+            .unwrap()
+            .redraw
+            .insert(output.output.clone());
         output.lock_frame_pending = false;
         output.surface.set_output_mode_source((&output.output).into());
         cancel_output_timers(&self.state.loop_handle, output);
@@ -373,8 +380,8 @@ impl crate::output_transaction::HardwareTransaction for DeviceTransaction<'_> {
     }
 }
 
-/// All allocations/tests precede commits. Logical publication follows every
-/// successful commit on this device; other devices are separately rollbackable.
+/// All allocations/tests precede commits. Logical publication waits for the
+/// final usable inventory; devices are independently applied and restored.
 pub(super) fn apply_device(
     state: &mut Ferese,
     node: DrmNode,
@@ -436,8 +443,6 @@ pub(super) fn apply_device(
     for crtc in &changed {
         let selection = &selections[crtc];
         let mut output = staged.remove(crtc).or_else(|| device.outputs.remove(crtc)).unwrap();
-        let old_geometry = state.space.output_geometry(&output.output);
-        let old_id = state.output_id(&output.output);
         if output.connector != selection.connector.handle() || output.identity != selection.identity {
             retire(state, &mut output, node, *crtc);
             let (handle, _) = create_output(
@@ -459,65 +464,18 @@ pub(super) fn apply_device(
         output.settings = selection.settings.clone();
         output.mode = selection.mode;
         output.mirror_source = selection.mirror_source.clone();
-        let position = selection.settings.position.unwrap_or_else(|| {
-            old_geometry
-                .map(|geometry| [geometry.loc.x, geometry.loc.y])
-                .unwrap_or_else(|| {
-                    [
-                        state
-                            .space
-                            .outputs()
-                            .filter_map(|output| state.space.output_geometry(output))
-                            .map(|geometry| geometry.loc.x + geometry.size.w)
-                            .max()
-                            .unwrap_or(0),
-                        0,
-                    ]
-                })
-        });
-        output.output.change_current_state(
-            Some(OutputMode::from(output.mode)),
-            Some(output_transform(output.settings.transform)),
-            Some(Scale::Fractional(output.settings.scale)),
-            Some((position[0], position[1]).into()),
-        );
-        if output.mirror_source.is_none() {
-            if output.global.is_none() {
-                output.global = Some(output.output.create_global::<Ferese>(&state.display_handle));
-            }
-            state.space.map_output(&output.output, (position[0], position[1]));
-            if state.output_id(&output.output).is_none() {
-                state.register_output(&output.output, output.identity.clone());
-            }
-            if let Some(id) = state.output_id(&output.output)
-                && let Some(geometry) = state.space.output_geometry(&output.output)
-            {
-                state.output_workspaces.update_geometry(
-                    id,
-                    ferese_core::OutputGeometry::new(geometry.loc.x, geometry.loc.y, geometry.size.w, geometry.size.h),
-                );
-                if old_id == Some(id)
-                    && let Some(old) = old_geometry
-                {
-                    state.reposition_output_floats(
-                        id,
-                        ferese_layout::Rect::new(
-                            old.loc.x as f64,
-                            old.loc.y as f64,
-                            old.size.w as f64,
-                            old.size.h as f64,
-                        ),
-                        ferese_layout::Rect::new(
-                            geometry.loc.x as f64,
-                            geometry.loc.y as f64,
-                            geometry.size.w as f64,
-                            geometry.size.h as f64,
-                        ),
-                    );
-                }
-            }
-        }
+        // Resource metadata describes applied hardware. Wayland output state,
+        // workspace ownership and floating positions publish once after all GPUs.
+        state
+            .desktop_transition
+            .as_mut()
+            .expect("output reconciliation boundary")
+            .redraw
+            .insert(output.output.clone());
         state.session_lock.output_added(&output.output);
+        if hardware_changes.contains(crtc) {
+            state.display_presentation.remove_output(&output.output);
+        }
         output.lock_frame_pending = false;
         output.surface.set_output_mode_source((&output.output).into());
         cancel_output_timers(&state.loop_handle, &mut output);
@@ -536,7 +494,7 @@ pub(super) fn apply_device(
         clock.reset_timing();
         device.outputs.insert(*crtc, output);
     }
-    // Add/register destinations before removing former owners, reusing evacuation.
+    // Retire resources now; the final inventory determines evacuation once.
     for crtc in removals {
         let mut output = device.outputs.remove(&crtc).unwrap();
         retire(state, &mut output, node, crtc);
@@ -605,7 +563,7 @@ pub(super) fn recover_last_output(state: &mut Ferese) {
         .unwrap()
         .devices
         .values()
-        .any(|device| device.outputs.values().any(|output| output.global.is_some()))
+        .any(|device| device.outputs.values().any(|output| output.mirror_source.is_none()))
     {
         return;
     }
@@ -654,7 +612,7 @@ pub(super) fn recover_last_output(state: &mut Ferese) {
                 .unwrap()
                 .devices
                 .values()
-                .any(|device| device.outputs.values().any(|output| output.global.is_some()))
+                .any(|device| device.outputs.values().any(|output| output.mirror_source.is_none()))
             {
                 remember_applied_configuration(state);
                 state.direct_backend.as_mut().unwrap().output_error = original_error;
diff --git a/compositor/src/output_transaction.rs b/compositor/src/output_transaction.rs
index cb703f7..ffe6c5a 100644
--- a/compositor/src/output_transaction.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/output_transaction.rs
@@ -146,4 +146,51 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(failure.unavailable, vec![1]);
         assert!(!fake.active.contains(&1));
     }
+    #[test]
+    fn desktop_publication_uses_survivors_after_apply_and_rollback_failures() {
+        use ferese_core::{OutputGeometry, OutputId, OutputWorkspaceMap, WorkspaceId};
+        let inventory = |active: &BTreeSet<u8>| {
+            active
+                .iter()
+                .map(|id| (OutputId(*id as u64), OutputGeometry::new(*id as i32 * 800, 0, 800, 600)))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+        };
+        for rollback_fails in [false, true] {
+            let mut hardware = Fake::new();
+            hardware.active.insert(2);
+            hardware.previous = hardware.active.clone();
+            let published = OutputWorkspaceMap::default()
+                .plan_desktop(
+                    &inventory(&hardware.active),
+                    &[WorkspaceId(1), WorkspaceId(2)],
+                    WorkspaceId(3),
+                )
+                .unwrap()
+                .outputs;
+            hardware.fail = Some(("commit", 1));
+            hardware.restore_fails = rollback_fails;
+            let result = apply(&mut hardware, &[1, 3], &[]);
+            assert!(result.is_err());
+            // Neither attempted commits nor recovery mutate the published map.
+            assert_eq!(
+                published.connected_outputs().collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+                vec![OutputId(1), OutputId(2)]
+            );
+            let plan = published
+                .plan_desktop(
+                    &inventory(&hardware.active),
+                    &[WorkspaceId(1), WorkspaceId(2)],
+                    WorkspaceId(3),
+                )
+                .unwrap();
+            if rollback_fails {
+                assert_eq!(plan.outputs.connected_outputs().collect::<Vec<_>>(), vec![OutputId(2)]);
+                assert_eq!(plan.outputs.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(1)), Some(OutputId(2)));
+            } else {
+                assert_eq!(plan.outputs, published);
+                assert!(plan.affected_outputs.is_empty());
+            }
+            assert_eq!(plan.outputs.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(3)), None);
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/compositor/src/shell_control.rs b/compositor/src/shell_control.rs
index abd34c4..6fd1e7a 100644
--- a/compositor/src/shell_control.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/shell_control.rs
@@ -291,6 +291,10 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     pub(crate) fn send_shell_snapshots(&mut self) {
+        if let Some(transition) = self.desktop_transition.as_mut() {
+            transition.shell_pending = true;
+            return;
+        }
         if self
             .direct_backend
             .as_ref()
@@ -390,6 +394,11 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     fn send_shell_snapshot(&mut self, shell: &FereseShellV1) {
+        if let Some(transition) = self.desktop_transition.as_mut() {
+            transition.shell_pending = true;
+            self.last_shell_snapshot = None;
+            return;
+        }
         // New subscribers always receive a complete snapshot. Do not update the
         // broadcast cache here: existing subscribers may still need this state.
         self.shell_snapshot_serial = self.shell_snapshot_serial.wrapping_add(1);
diff --git a/compositor/src/state.rs b/compositor/src/state.rs
index 6e72678..bf0d32a 100644
--- a/compositor/src/state.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/state.rs
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ mod hit_testing;
 mod layout;
 mod navigation;
 mod outputs;
+mod reconciliation;
+pub(crate) use reconciliation::{DesktopChanges, DesktopOutput, DesktopTransition};
 mod prediction;
 pub(crate) use prediction::FrameScene;
 mod window_registry;
@@ -330,6 +332,7 @@ pub struct Ferese {
     pub space: Space<Window>,
     pub workspaces: WorkspaceSet,
     pub output_workspaces: OutputWorkspaceMap,
+    pub(crate) desktop_transition: Option<DesktopTransition>,
     pub(crate) output_ids: HashMap<Output, OutputId>,
     outputs_by_id: HashMap<OutputId, Output>,
     pub(crate) output_names: HashMap<OutputId, String>,
@@ -562,6 +565,7 @@ impl Ferese {
                 config.scrolling_focus_strategy,
             ),
             output_workspaces: OutputWorkspaceMap::default(),
+            desktop_transition: None,
             output_ids: HashMap::new(),
             outputs_by_id: HashMap::new(),
             output_names: HashMap::new(),
@@ -688,7 +692,8 @@ impl Ferese {
         let input_changed = changed(&["input"]);
         let daemons_changed = changed(&["autostart"]);
         let lock_changed = changed(&["lock_screen"]);
-        let scene_changed = layout_changed || changed(&["animations", "appearance", "window_rules", "output_profiles"]);
+        let non_output_scene_changed = layout_changed || changed(&["animations", "appearance", "window_rules"]);
+        let scene_changed = non_output_scene_changed || changed(&["output_profiles"]);
 
         if self.output_profiles != config.output_profiles {
             crate::backends::direct::validate_live_outputs(self, &config.output_profiles)?;
@@ -789,10 +794,6 @@ impl Ferese {
             crate::backends::direct::reload_input_devices(self);
         }
 
-        if outputs_changed {
-            crate::backends::direct::reload_outputs(self);
-        }
-
         if old_rules != self.window_rules {
             self.reapply_window_rules(&old_rules);
         }
@@ -802,9 +803,11 @@ impl Ferese {
             self.wallpaper.reload(config.wallpaper);
         }
 
-        if scene_changed {
+        if outputs_changed && self.direct_backend.is_some() {
+            // Output publication also finalizes any accompanying scene changes.
+            crate::backends::direct::reload_outputs(self, non_output_scene_changed);
+        } else if scene_changed {
             self.relayout();
-            crate::backends::direct::render_all(self);
         }
 
         Ok(())
diff --git a/compositor/src/state/animation.rs b/compositor/src/state/animation.rs
index 3a2eea3..1d95e3d 100644
--- a/compositor/src/state/animation.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/state/animation.rs
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     // The production caller supplies monotonic wall time; tests supply a fake clock.
-    fn advance_animations_at(&mut self, delta: Duration, now: Duration) -> bool {
+    pub(super) fn advance_animations_at(&mut self, delta: Duration, now: Duration) -> bool {
         if !self.animations_need_tick() {
             self.sync_window_stacking();
             return false;
diff --git a/compositor/src/state/layout.rs b/compositor/src/state/layout.rs
index c249199..0511b35 100644
--- a/compositor/src/state/layout.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/state/layout.rs
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     pub fn relayout(&mut self) {
-        self.relayout_outputs(None);
+        self.relayout_outputs(None, true);
     }
 
     pub(crate) fn relayout_window(&mut self, id: WindowId) {
@@ -66,10 +66,21 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     pub(crate) fn relayout_on(&mut self, outputs: &[Output]) {
-        self.relayout_outputs(Some(outputs.to_vec()));
+        self.relayout_outputs(Some(outputs.to_vec()), true);
     }
 
-    fn relayout_outputs(&mut self, mut redraw_outputs: Option<Vec<Output>>) {
+    pub(super) fn relayout_desktop(&mut self) {
+        self.relayout_outputs(None, false);
+    }
+
+    fn relayout_outputs(&mut self, mut redraw_outputs: Option<Vec<Output>>, finalize: bool) {
+        if self
+            .desktop_transition
+            .as_ref()
+            .is_some_and(|transition| !transition.publishing)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
         if self
             .direct_backend
             .as_ref()
@@ -416,6 +427,9 @@ impl Ferese {
 
         self.sync_window_stacking();
         self.retarget_overview();
+        if !finalize {
+            return;
+        }
         self.send_shell_snapshots();
 
         if let Some(outputs) = redraw_outputs {
diff --git a/compositor/src/state/outputs.rs b/compositor/src/state/outputs.rs
index 7865f6e..e5f3ffa 100644
--- a/compositor/src/state/outputs.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/state/outputs.rs
@@ -26,104 +26,82 @@ impl Ferese {
     }
 
     pub fn register_output(&mut self, output: &Output, identity: String) {
-        if self.output_ids.is_empty() {
-            self.reset_animation_clock();
-        }
-
-        if self.session_lock.active() {
-            self.session_lock.output_added(output);
-            self.lock_input_activity();
-        }
+        assert!(
+            self.desktop_transition.is_none(),
+            "backend must publish its complete inventory"
+        );
         let Some(geometry) = self.space.output_geometry(output) else {
             tracing::error!(output = %output.name(), "cannot register an unmapped output");
             return;
         };
-        let output_id = self.ensure_output_identity(&identity);
-        let fallback_workspace = self
-            .workspaces
+        let mut runtime = self.current_desktop_outputs();
+        runtime.retain(|entry| entry.output != *output);
+        runtime.push(DesktopOutput {
+            output: output.clone(),
+            identity,
+            mode: output.current_mode().expect("mapped output has a mode"),
+            transform: output.current_transform(),
+            scale: output.current_scale(),
+            position: geometry.loc,
+        });
+        self.begin_desktop_transition();
+        let changes = self
+            .publish_desktop(runtime)
+            .expect("valid registered output inventory");
+        self.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn current_desktop_outputs(&self) -> Vec<DesktopOutput> {
+        self.output_ids
             .iter()
-            .filter(|workspace| {
-                self.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(workspace.id).is_none()
-                    && self
-                        .output_workspaces
-                        .home_output(workspace.id)
-                        .is_none_or(|home| home == output_id)
+            .filter_map(|(output, id)| {
+                Some(DesktopOutput {
+                    output: output.clone(),
+                    identity: self
+                        .output_identity_ids
+                        .iter()
+                        .find(|(_, candidate)| *candidate == id)?
+                        .0
+                        .clone(),
+                    mode: output.current_mode()?,
+                    transform: output.current_transform(),
+                    scale: output.current_scale(),
+                    position: self.space.output_geometry(output)?.loc,
+                })
             })
-            .map(|workspace| workspace.id)
-            .min_by_key(|id| id.0)
-            .unwrap_or_else(|| self.workspaces.create_workspace());
-        let geometry = OutputGeometry::new(geometry.loc.x, geometry.loc.y, geometry.size.w, geometry.size.h);
+            .collect()
+    }
 
-        let returning_floats = self
-            .windows
-            .ids()
-            .values()
-            .filter_map(|id| {
-                let workspace = self.workspaces.workspace_for_window(*id)?;
-                if self.output_workspaces.home_output(workspace) != Some(output_id) {
-                    return None;
-                }
-                let owner = self.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(workspace)?;
-                let old = self.output_workspaces.geometry(owner)?;
-                let WindowPlacement::Floating { rect } = self.workspaces.placement(*id)? else {
-                    return None;
-                };
-                Some((*id, workspace, rect, old))
-            })
-            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
-
-        let registration = self.output_workspaces.connect(output_id, geometry, fallback_workspace);
-
-        match registration {
-            Ok(_) => {
-                self.output_ids.insert(output.clone(), output_id);
-                self.outputs_by_id.insert(output_id, output.clone());
-                self.output_names.insert(output_id, output.name());
-                for (id, workspace, rect, old) in returning_floats {
-                    if self.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(workspace) == Some(output_id) {
-                        let old = Rect::new(old.x as f64, old.y as f64, old.width as f64, old.height as f64);
-                        let new = Rect::new(
-                            geometry.x as f64,
-                            geometry.y as f64,
-                            geometry.width as f64,
-                            geometry.height as f64,
-                        );
-                        let _ = self
-                            .workspaces
-                            .set_floating_rect(id, moved_floating_rect(rect, old, new));
-                    }
-                }
-                if self
-                    .direct_backend
-                    .as_ref()
-                    .is_some_and(|backend| backend.reconciling())
-                {
-                    return;
-                }
-                self.restore_output_focus();
-                let visible = self.visible_workspace_ids();
-                self.reconcile_workspaces(&visible);
-                self.send_shell_snapshots();
-            }
-            Err(error) => {
-                tracing::error!(%error, output = %output.name(), "failed to register output");
-            }
+    /// Resource invalidation is immediate; ownership and focus wait for the
+    /// complete usable inventory, including when the final output disappears.
+    pub fn unregister_output(&mut self, output: &Output) {
+        let standalone = self.desktop_transition.is_none();
+        if standalone {
+            self.begin_desktop_transition();
+        }
+        self.retire_output_resources(output);
+        if standalone {
+            let runtime = self
+                .current_desktop_outputs()
+                .into_iter()
+                .filter(|entry| entry.output != *output)
+                .collect();
+            let changes = self.publish_desktop(runtime).expect("valid surviving output inventory");
+            self.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
         }
     }
 
-    pub fn unregister_output(&mut self, output: &Output) {
-        self.display_presentation.remove_output(output);
-        self.refresh_idle_inhibition();
-
-        let Some(output_id) = self.output_ids.remove(output) else {
+    pub(super) fn retire_output_resources(&mut self, output: &Output) {
+        if let Some(transition) = self.desktop_transition.as_mut()
+            && !transition.retired.insert(output.clone())
+        {
             return;
-        };
-
+        }
+        self.display_presentation.remove_output(output);
         self.output_redraw_pending.retain(|pending| pending != output);
-        self.outputs_by_id.remove(&output_id);
-        self.output_names.remove(&output_id);
-        self.workspace_slides.remove(&output_id);
-        self.render.remove_output(output_id);
+        if let Some(id) = self.output_ids.get(output) {
+            self.render.remove_output(*id);
+        }
         self.pending_screencopies.retain(|capture| {
             if capture.output == *output {
                 capture.fail();
@@ -132,76 +110,9 @@ impl Ferese {
                 true
             }
         });
-        self.space.unmap_output(output);
         self.session_lock.surfaces.remove(output);
         self.session_lock.backgrounds.remove(output);
         self.session_lock.output_removed(output);
-        self.refresh_lock_outputs();
-
-        let old_geometry = self.output_workspaces.geometry(output_id);
-        let evacuated = self
-            .output_workspaces
-            .assigned_workspaces(output_id)
-            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
-        match self.output_workspaces.disconnect(output_id) {
-            Ok(Some(target)) => {
-                if let (Some(old), Some(new)) = (old_geometry, self.output_workspaces.geometry(target)) {
-                    let old = Rect::new(old.x as f64, old.y as f64, old.width as f64, old.height as f64);
-                    let new = Rect::new(new.x as f64, new.y as f64, new.width as f64, new.height as f64);
-                    let floats = self
-                        .windows
-                        .ids()
-                        .values()
-                        .filter_map(|id| {
-                            let workspace = self.workspaces.workspace_for_window(*id)?;
-                            if !evacuated.contains(&workspace) {
-                                return None;
-                            }
-                            match self.workspaces.placement(*id)? {
-                                WindowPlacement::Floating { rect } => Some((*id, moved_floating_rect(rect, old, new))),
-                                _ => None,
-                            }
-                        })
-                        .collect::<Vec<_>>();
-                    for (id, rect) in floats {
-                        let _ = self.workspaces.set_floating_rect(id, rect);
-                    }
-                }
-                if let Some(workspace) = self.output_workspaces.active_workspace(target) {
-                    self.activate_output_workspace(target, workspace);
-                }
-            }
-            Ok(None) => {
-                self.focused_window = None;
-                self.restore_keyboard_focus();
-            }
-            Err(error) => {
-                tracing::error!(%error, output = %output.name(), "failed to unregister output")
-            }
-        }
-
-        self.relayout();
-    }
-
-    pub(crate) fn reposition_output_floats(&mut self, output: OutputId, old: Rect, new: Rect) {
-        let floats = self
-            .windows
-            .ids()
-            .values()
-            .filter_map(|id| {
-                let workspace = self.workspaces.workspace_for_window(*id)?;
-                if self.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(workspace) != Some(output) {
-                    return None;
-                }
-                match self.workspaces.placement(*id)? {
-                    WindowPlacement::Floating { rect } => Some((*id, moved_floating_rect(rect, old, new))),
-                    _ => None,
-                }
-            })
-            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
-        for (id, rect) in floats {
-            let _ = self.workspaces.set_floating_rect(id, rect);
-        }
     }
 
     pub(super) fn activate_output_workspace(&mut self, output: OutputId, workspace: ferese_core::WorkspaceId) {
diff --git a/compositor/src/state/reconciliation.rs b/compositor/src/state/reconciliation.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..529498d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/compositor/src/state/reconciliation.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,538 @@
+//! Exceptional topology publication. Ordinary input/damage never constructs a plan.
+use super::*;
+use smithay::output::{Mode, Scale};
+use smithay::utils::Transform;
+
+/// Mutable resource bookkeeping lives outside the pure ownership plan.
+#[derive(Default)]
+pub(crate) struct DesktopTransition {
+    pub retired: HashSet<Output>,
+    pub redraw: HashSet<Output>,
+    pub publishing: bool,
+    pub shell_pending: bool,
+}
+
+/// The backend reports hardware that actually survived application/rollback.
+pub(crate) struct DesktopOutput {
+    pub output: Output,
+    pub identity: String,
+    pub mode: Mode,
+    pub transform: Transform,
+    pub scale: Scale,
+    pub position: Point<i32, Logical>,
+}
+
+impl DesktopOutput {
+    fn geometry(&self) -> OutputGeometry {
+        let size = self
+            .transform
+            .transform_size(self.mode.size)
+            .to_f64()
+            .to_logical(self.scale.fractional_scale())
+            .to_i32_ceil();
+        OutputGeometry::new(self.position.x, self.position.y, size.w, size.h)
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Default)]
+pub(crate) struct DesktopChanges {
+    pub layout: bool,
+    pub focus: bool,
+    pub shell: bool,
+    pub outputs: HashSet<Output>,
+}
+
+impl Ferese {
+    pub(crate) fn begin_desktop_transition(&mut self) {
+        assert!(self.desktop_transition.is_none(), "nested desktop transition");
+        self.desktop_transition = Some(DesktopTransition::default());
+    }
+
+    /// No event-loop dispatch occurs between planning and publication. Only the
+    /// small ownership map is staged; layout and animation remain authoritative.
+    pub(crate) fn publish_desktop(
+        &mut self,
+        runtime: Vec<DesktopOutput>,
+    ) -> Result<DesktopChanges, ferese_core::OutputError> {
+        assert!(self.desktop_transition.is_some());
+        let inventory = runtime
+            .iter()
+            .map(|output| (self.ensure_output_identity(&output.identity), output.geometry()))
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        let workspaces = self.workspaces.iter().map(|workspace| workspace.id).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        let plan = self
+            .output_workspaces
+            .plan_desktop(&inventory, &workspaces, self.workspaces.next_workspace_id())?;
+        let mut changes = DesktopChanges {
+            layout: !plan.affected_outputs.is_empty(),
+            focus: plan.focus_changed,
+            shell: !plan.affected_outputs.is_empty(),
+            outputs: self.desktop_transition.as_ref().unwrap().redraw.clone(),
+        };
+        let floats = self
+            .windows
+            .ids()
+            .values()
+            .filter_map(|id| {
+                let workspace = self.workspaces.workspace_for_window(*id)?;
+                let WindowPlacement::Floating { rect } = self.workspaces.placement(*id)? else {
+                    return None;
+                };
+                let destination = plan.outputs.output_for_workspace(workspace)?;
+                let new = plan.outputs.geometry(destination)?;
+                let old_owner = self.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(workspace);
+                let old = old_owner.and_then(|owner| self.output_workspaces.geometry(owner));
+                (old_owner != Some(destination) || old != Some(new)).then(|| {
+                    let bounds = |g: OutputGeometry| Rect::new(g.x as f64, g.y as f64, g.width as f64, g.height as f64);
+                    (*id, moved_floating_rect(rect, bounds(old.unwrap_or(new)), bounds(new)))
+                })
+            })
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+
+        // All fallible planning precedes publication. Resource retirement may
+        // already have invalidated unusable scanouts, but not desktop policy.
+        for id in plan.created_workspaces {
+            assert_eq!(self.workspaces.create_workspace(), id);
+        }
+        let surviving = runtime.iter().map(|output| output.output.clone()).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        let old_outputs = self.output_ids.keys().cloned().collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        for output in old_outputs {
+            if !surviving.contains(&output) {
+                self.retire_output_resources(&output);
+                self.space.unmap_output(&output);
+            }
+        }
+        if self.output_ids.is_empty() && !runtime.is_empty() {
+            self.reset_animation_clock();
+        }
+        self.output_ids.clear();
+        self.outputs_by_id.clear();
+        self.output_names.clear();
+        for (output, (id, geometry)) in runtime.into_iter().zip(inventory) {
+            let state_changed = output.output.current_mode() != Some(output.mode)
+                || output.output.current_transform() != output.transform
+                || output.output.current_scale().fractional_scale() != output.scale.fractional_scale()
+                || self.space.output_geometry(&output.output).is_none_or(|old| {
+                    old.loc != output.position || old.size.w != geometry.width || old.size.h != geometry.height
+                });
+            if state_changed {
+                output.output.change_current_state(
+                    Some(output.mode),
+                    Some(output.transform),
+                    Some(output.scale),
+                    Some(output.position),
+                );
+                self.space.map_output(&output.output, output.position);
+                changes.layout = true;
+                changes.shell = true;
+            }
+            if state_changed || plan.affected_outputs.contains(&id) {
+                changes.outputs.insert(output.output.clone());
+            }
+            if state_changed && self.session_lock.active() {
+                self.session_lock.output_added(&output.output);
+            }
+            self.output_names.insert(id, output.output.name());
+            self.outputs_by_id.insert(id, output.output.clone());
+            self.output_ids.insert(output.output, id);
+        }
+        // Slides referencing evacuated workspaces cannot survive ownership
+        // changes. Unaffected slide/world/viewport/resize owners remain intact.
+        self.workspace_slides.retain(|id, slide| {
+            plan.outputs.geometry(*id).is_some()
+                && slide
+                    .items
+                    .iter()
+                    .all(|item| plan.outputs.output_for_workspace(item.workspace) == Some(*id))
+        });
+        self.output_workspaces = plan.outputs;
+        for (id, rect) in floats {
+            self.workspaces
+                .set_floating_rect(id, rect)
+                .expect("planned floating window exists");
+        }
+        self.refresh_workspace_slide_offsets();
+        if changes.focus {
+            if let Some(output) = self.output_workspaces.focused_output()
+                && let Some(workspace) = self.output_workspaces.active_workspace(output)
+            {
+                self.activate_output_workspace(output, workspace);
+            } else {
+                self.focused_window = None;
+            }
+        }
+        Ok(changes)
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn finish_desktop_transition(&mut self, mut changes: DesktopChanges) {
+        self.desktop_transition.as_mut().unwrap().publishing = true;
+        if changes.layout {
+            self.relayout_desktop();
+        }
+        if changes.focus || self.session_lock.active() {
+            self.restore_keyboard_focus();
+        }
+        self.refresh_lock_outputs();
+        self.refresh_idle_inhibition();
+        let batch = self.desktop_transition.take().unwrap();
+        changes.outputs.extend(batch.redraw);
+        // Animation/layout helpers may request snapshots, but only this point
+        // can emit the complete topology generation.
+        if changes.shell || changes.layout || changes.focus || batch.shell_pending {
+            self.send_shell_snapshots();
+        }
+        changes.outputs.retain(|output| {
+            self.output_ids.contains_key(output)
+                || self
+                    .direct_backend
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .is_some_and(|backend| backend.physical_outputs().any(|physical| physical == output))
+        });
+        if !changes.outputs.is_empty() {
+            crate::backends::direct::render_on(self, &changes.outputs.into_iter().collect::<Vec<_>>());
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use smithay::output::{PhysicalProperties, Subpixel};
+    use smithay::reexports::wayland_server::Resource;
+    use std::io::{Read, Write};
+    use std::os::unix::net::UnixStream;
+
+    fn output(name: &str, x: i32, width: i32) -> DesktopOutput {
+        DesktopOutput {
+            output: Output::new(
+                name.into(),
+                PhysicalProperties {
+                    size: (0, 0).into(),
+                    subpixel: Subpixel::Unknown,
+                    make: "test".into(),
+                    model: "test".into(),
+                },
+            ),
+            identity: name.into(),
+            mode: Mode {
+                size: (width, 800).into(),
+                refresh: 60_000,
+            },
+            transform: Transform::Normal,
+            scale: Scale::Fractional(1.0),
+            position: (x, 0).into(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn request(wire: &mut UnixStream, object: u32, opcode: u32, args: &[u32]) {
+        for word in [object, (((args.len() + 2) * 4) as u32) << 16 | opcode]
+            .into_iter()
+            .chain(args.iter().copied())
+        {
+            wire.write_all(&word.to_ne_bytes()).unwrap();
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn window(state: &mut Ferese, event_loop: &mut EventLoop<'static, Ferese>) -> (Window, UnixStream) {
+        use smithay::reexports::wayland_protocols::xdg::shell::server::xdg_wm_base::XdgWmBase;
+        use smithay::reexports::wayland_server::protocol::wl_compositor::WlCompositor;
+        use smithay::wayland::shell::xdg::XdgWmBaseUserData;
+        let (server, mut wire) = UnixStream::pair().unwrap();
+        let client = state
+            .display_handle
+            .insert_client(server, Arc::new(ClientState::default()))
+            .unwrap();
+        let compositor = client
+            .create_resource::<WlCompositor, (), Ferese>(&state.display_handle, 6, ())
+            .unwrap();
+        let shell = client
+            .create_resource::<XdgWmBase, XdgWmBaseUserData, Ferese>(&state.display_handle, 6, Default::default())
+            .unwrap();
+        request(&mut wire, compositor.id().protocol_id(), 0, &[2]);
+        request(&mut wire, shell.id().protocol_id(), 2, &[3, 2]);
+        request(&mut wire, 3, 1, &[4]);
+        event_loop.dispatch(Duration::from_millis(10), state).unwrap();
+        let window = state
+            .space
+            .elements()
+            .find(|window| {
+                window
+                    .toplevel()
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .wl_surface()
+                    .client()
+                    .is_some_and(|owner| owner.id() == client.id())
+            })
+            .unwrap()
+            .clone();
+        (window, wire)
+    }
+
+    fn events(state: &mut Ferese, wire: &mut UnixStream) -> Vec<(u32, u32, Vec<u32>)> {
+        state.display_handle.flush_clients().unwrap();
+        wire.set_nonblocking(true).unwrap();
+        let mut bytes = Vec::new();
+        match wire.read_to_end(&mut bytes) {
+            Ok(_) => {}
+            Err(error) => assert_eq!(error.kind(), std::io::ErrorKind::WouldBlock),
+        }
+        let mut result = Vec::new();
+        let mut offset = 0;
+        while offset < bytes.len() {
+            let word = |at| u32::from_ne_bytes(bytes[at..at + 4].try_into().unwrap());
+            let header = word(offset + 4);
+            let end = offset + (header >> 16) as usize;
+            result.push((
+                word(offset),
+                header & 0xffff,
+                (offset + 8..end).step_by(4).map(word).collect(),
+            ));
+            offset = end;
+        }
+        result
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn planned_geometry_matches_smithay_at_fractional_scale_and_rotation() {
+        for transform in [Transform::Normal, Transform::_90, Transform::Flipped270] {
+            let mut entry = output("geometry", -500, 1920);
+            entry.mode.size.h = 1080;
+            entry.scale = Scale::Fractional(1.75);
+            entry.transform = transform;
+            entry.output.change_current_state(
+                Some(entry.mode),
+                Some(transform),
+                Some(entry.scale),
+                Some(entry.position),
+            );
+            let mut space = Space::<Window>::default();
+            space.map_output(&entry.output, entry.position);
+            let actual = space.output_geometry(&entry.output).unwrap();
+            assert_eq!(
+                entry.geometry(),
+                OutputGeometry::new(actual.loc.x, actual.loc.y, actual.size.w, actual.size.h)
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn topology_publication_protocol_and_readiness_regressions() {
+        // The subprocess owns private sockets and config; never touches a live session.
+        if std::env::var_os("FERESE_DESKTOP_TEST_CHILD").is_none() {
+            let runtime = tempfile::tempdir().unwrap();
+            let result = std::process::Command::new(std::env::current_exe().unwrap())
+                .args([
+                    "--exact",
+                    "state::reconciliation::tests::topology_publication_protocol_and_readiness_regressions",
+                    "--nocapture",
+                ])
+                .env("FERESE_DESKTOP_TEST_CHILD", "1")
+                .env("XDG_RUNTIME_DIR", runtime.path())
+                .env("XDG_CONFIG_HOME", runtime.path())
+                .env("XDG_STATE_HOME", runtime.path())
+                .output()
+                .unwrap();
+            assert!(
+                result.status.success(),
+                "{}\n{}",
+                String::from_utf8_lossy(&result.stdout),
+                String::from_utf8_lossy(&result.stderr)
+            );
+            return;
+        }
+        let mut event_loop = EventLoop::try_new().unwrap();
+        let config = crate::config::Config::default().runtime_config().unwrap();
+        let mut state = Ferese::new(&mut event_loop, Display::new().unwrap(), config).unwrap();
+        let a = output("a", 0, 1200);
+        let b = output("b", 1200, 800);
+        let a_handle = a.output.clone();
+        let b_handle = b.output.clone();
+        state.begin_desktop_transition();
+        let changes = state.publish_desktop(vec![a, b]).unwrap();
+        state.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
+        let a_id = state.output_ids[&a_handle];
+        let b_id = state.output_ids[&b_handle];
+        let b_workspace = state.output_workspaces.active_workspace(b_id).unwrap();
+
+        // Real protocol resources let us observe exactly what clients receive.
+        let (server, mut shell_wire) = UnixStream::pair().unwrap();
+        let client = state
+            .display_handle
+            .insert_client(server, Arc::new(ClientState::default()))
+            .unwrap();
+        let shell = client
+            .create_resource::<FereseShellV1, (), Ferese>(&state.display_handle, 6, ())
+            .unwrap();
+        state.shell_resources.push(shell.downgrade());
+        state.send_shell_snapshots();
+        events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire);
+        let original_serial = state.shell_snapshot_serial;
+
+        // Invalid planning leaves output metadata, ownership and shell unchanged.
+        let original = state.output_workspaces.clone();
+        state.begin_desktop_transition();
+        let mut invalid = state.current_desktop_outputs();
+        invalid[0].mode.size.w = 0;
+        assert!(state.publish_desktop(invalid).is_err());
+        assert_eq!(state.output_workspaces, original);
+        assert_eq!(a_handle.current_mode().unwrap().size.w, 1200);
+        assert!(events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire).is_empty());
+        state.finish_desktop_transition(DesktopChanges::default());
+        assert_eq!(state.shell_snapshot_serial, original_serial);
+
+        // A real XDG toplevel needs a new size; it deliberately never acknowledges it.
+        let (slow, _slow_wire) = window(&mut state, &mut event_loop);
+        let slow_id = WindowId(101);
+        let initial = Rect::new(1500.0, 500.0, 600.0, 600.0);
+        state
+            .workspaces
+            .insert_floating_window(slow_id, b_workspace, initial, true)
+            .unwrap();
+        state.windows.register_window(slow.clone(), slow_id);
+        let mut geometry = WindowGeometry::new(initial, None);
+        geometry.client.committed_size = Some(ClientSize::from_rect(initial));
+        state.windows.set_geometry(slow_id, geometry);
+        state.output_workspaces.focus_output(b_id).unwrap();
+        state.restore_output_focus();
+        state.relayout();
+        events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire);
+        let before_serial = state.shell_snapshot_serial;
+        let spare = state.workspaces.create_workspace();
+        state.output_workspaces.assign_workspace(b_id, spare).unwrap();
+        state.workspace_slides.insert(
+            b_id,
+            WorkspaceSlide::new(None, spare, b_workspace, SwipeDirection::Right),
+        );
+
+        state.begin_desktop_transition();
+        state.unregister_output(&b_handle);
+        state.unregister_output(&b_handle); // Duplicate retirement is harmless.
+        assert_eq!(
+            state.workspaces.placement(slow_id),
+            Some(WindowPlacement::Floating { rect: initial })
+        );
+        assert_eq!(state.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(b_workspace), Some(b_id));
+        state.send_shell_snapshots();
+        assert!(events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire).is_empty());
+        let mut runtime = state.current_desktop_outputs();
+        runtime.retain(|entry| entry.output == a_handle);
+        runtime[0].mode.size = (500, 400).into();
+        let changes = state.publish_desktop(runtime).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(state.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(b_workspace), Some(a_id));
+        assert_eq!(state.focused_window, Some(slow_id));
+        assert!(!state.workspace_slides.contains_key(&b_id));
+        state.send_shell_snapshots();
+        assert!(events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire).is_empty());
+        state.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
+        assert_eq!(state.shell_snapshot_serial, before_serial + 1);
+        let published = events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire);
+        let shell_events = published
+            .iter()
+            .filter(|(id, _, _)| *id == shell.id().protocol_id())
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        assert_eq!(shell_events.iter().filter(|(_, opcode, _)| *opcode == 0).count(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(shell_events.iter().filter(|(_, opcode, _)| *opcode == 4).count(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(shell_events.iter().filter(|(_, opcode, _)| *opcode == 2).count(), 1);
+        for (_, opcode, args) in &shell_events {
+            if *opcode == 3 {
+                assert_eq!(args[3], a_id.0 as u32);
+                if args[1] == b_workspace.0 as u32 {
+                    assert_eq!(&args[args.len() - 2..], &[1, 1]);
+                }
+            } else if *opcode == 2 {
+                let active = 3 + args[2].div_ceil(4) as usize;
+                assert_eq!(args[active + 1], b_workspace.0 as u32);
+                assert_eq!(args[active + 2], 1);
+            } else if *opcode == 1 {
+                assert_eq!(args[1], slow_id.0 as u32);
+                assert_eq!(args[3], b_workspace.0 as u32);
+            }
+        }
+        let WindowPlacement::Floating { rect } = state.workspaces.placement(slow_id).unwrap() else {
+            panic!()
+        };
+        assert!(rect.x >= 0.0 && rect.y >= 0.0 && rect.x + rect.width <= 500.0 && rect.y + rect.height <= 400.0);
+        assert!(
+            state.windows.transaction(&slow_id).is_some(),
+            "topology commit must not await XDG acknowledgement"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            state.windows.geometry(&slow_id).unwrap().client.committed_size,
+            Some(ClientSize::from_rect(initial))
+        );
+
+        // A separate workspace/output keeps progressing while the slow client waits.
+        state.begin_desktop_transition();
+        let mut runtime = state.current_desktop_outputs();
+        runtime.push(output("c", 500, 800));
+        let changes = state.publish_desktop(runtime).unwrap();
+        state.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
+        let c_id = state.persistent_output_id("c").unwrap();
+        let c_workspace = state.output_workspaces.active_workspace(c_id).unwrap();
+        let mut viewport = AnimatedValue::new(0.0);
+        viewport.set_target(200.0);
+        state.viewport_animations.insert(c_workspace, viewport);
+        let now = state.start_time.elapsed();
+        state.advance_animations_at(Duration::from_millis(16), now + Duration::from_millis(16));
+        assert!(state.viewport_animations[&c_workspace].current > 0.0);
+        assert!(state.windows.transaction(&slow_id).is_some());
+        state.advance_animations_at(Duration::from_millis(334), now + Duration::from_millis(350));
+        assert!(state.windows.transaction(&slow_id).is_none());
+
+        // A no-op/resume inventory keeps ownership and emits no duplicate generation.
+        events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire);
+        let before = state.output_workspaces.clone();
+        for _ in 0..3 {
+            state.begin_desktop_transition();
+            let runtime = state.current_desktop_outputs();
+            let changes = state.publish_desktop(runtime).unwrap();
+            assert!(!changes.layout && !changes.focus && !changes.shell);
+            assert!(changes.outputs.is_empty());
+            state.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
+        }
+        assert_eq!(state.output_workspaces, before);
+        assert!(events(&mut state, &mut shell_wire).is_empty());
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces.workspace_for_window(slow_id), Some(b_workspace));
+
+        let unfocused = state.outputs_by_id[&c_id].clone();
+        let focused = state.focused_window;
+        state.unregister_output(&unfocused);
+        assert_eq!(
+            state.focused_window, focused,
+            "removing a non-focused output preserves window focus"
+        );
+
+        // Lock protection remains authoritative through headless loss/recovery.
+        use smithay::reexports::wayland_protocols::ext::session_lock::v1::server::ext_session_lock_manager_v1::ExtSessionLockManagerV1;
+        let (server, mut lock_wire) = UnixStream::pair().unwrap();
+        let client = state
+            .display_handle
+            .insert_client(server, Arc::new(ClientState::default()))
+            .unwrap();
+        let lock = client
+            .create_resource::<ExtSessionLockManagerV1, (), Ferese>(&state.display_handle, 1, ())
+            .unwrap();
+        request(&mut lock_wire, lock.id().protocol_id(), 1, &[2]);
+        event_loop.dispatch(Duration::from_millis(10), &mut state).unwrap();
+        assert!(state.session_lock.active());
+        state.begin_desktop_transition();
+        for output in state.output_ids.keys().cloned().collect::<Vec<_>>() {
+            state.unregister_output(&output);
+        }
+        let changes = state.publish_desktop(Vec::new()).unwrap();
+        state.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
+        assert!(state.output_ids.is_empty());
+        assert!(state.space.outputs().next().is_none());
+        assert!(state.output_workspaces.focused_output().is_none());
+        assert!(state.focused_window.is_none());
+        assert!(state.workspace_slides.is_empty());
+        assert!(state.seat.get_keyboard().unwrap().current_focus().is_none());
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces.workspace_for_window(slow_id), Some(b_workspace));
+        state.begin_desktop_transition();
+        let changes = state.publish_desktop(vec![output("a", 0, 1200)]).unwrap();
+        state.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
+        assert_eq!(state.output_workspaces.output_for_workspace(b_workspace), Some(a_id));
+        assert!(state.session_lock.active());
+        assert!(state.surface_under((20.0, 20.0).into()).is_none());
+    }
+}
diff --git a/compositor/src/winit.rs b/compositor/src/winit.rs
index 8818179..7edb9b5 100644
--- a/compositor/src/winit.rs
+++ b/compositor/src/winit.rs
@@ -103,14 +103,13 @@ pub fn init(event_loop: &mut EventLoop<Ferese>, state: &mut Ferese) -> Result<()
                         .unwrap_or(60_000) as i32;
                     refresh.set(Duration::from_nanos(1_000_000_000_000 / rate.max(1) as u64));
 
-                    output.change_current_state(
-                        Some(Mode { size, refresh: rate }),
-                        None,
-                        Some(Scale::Fractional(scale)),
-                        None,
-                    );
-
-                    state.relayout();
+                    let mut runtime = state.current_desktop_outputs();
+                    let resized = runtime.iter_mut().find(|entry| entry.output == output).unwrap();
+                    resized.mode = Mode { size, refresh: rate };
+                    resized.scale = Scale::Fractional(scale);
+                    state.begin_desktop_transition();
+                    let changes = state.publish_desktop(runtime).expect("valid nested output geometry");
+                    state.finish_desktop_transition(changes);
                     if let Err(error) = state.display_handle.flush_clients() {
                         tracing::debug!(%error, "failed to flush output-resize configure");
                     }
diff --git a/crates/ferese-core/src/lib.rs b/crates/ferese-core/src/lib.rs
index 0d562dd..f82b0f8 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-core/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-core/src/lib.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ mod workspace;
 mod workspace_policy;
 
 pub use focus::{FocusCycle, FocusHistory};
-pub use output::{OutputError, OutputGeometry, OutputId, OutputWorkspaceMap, WorkspaceSwitch};
+pub use output::{DesktopPlan, OutputError, OutputGeometry, OutputId, OutputWorkspaceMap, WorkspaceSwitch};
 pub use workspace::{
     LayoutMode, WindowPlacement, Workspace, WorkspaceError, WorkspaceId, WorkspaceLayout, WorkspaceSet,
 };
diff --git a/crates/ferese-core/src/output.rs b/crates/ferese-core/src/output.rs
index feb525a..4a11d81 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-core/src/output.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-core/src/output.rs
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ impl OutputGeometry {
 pub enum OutputError {
     AlreadyConnected(OutputId),
     UnknownOutput(OutputId),
+    InvalidGeometry(OutputId),
     WorkspaceAlreadyAssigned { workspace: WorkspaceId, output: OutputId },
 }
 
@@ -40,6 +41,7 @@ impl fmt::Display for OutputError {
         match self {
             Self::AlreadyConnected(output) => write!(formatter, "output {output:?} is connected"),
             Self::UnknownOutput(output) => write!(formatter, "unknown output {output:?}"),
+            Self::InvalidGeometry(output) => write!(formatter, "invalid geometry for output {output:?}"),
             Self::WorkspaceAlreadyAssigned { workspace, output } => {
                 write!(formatter, "workspace {workspace:?} is assigned to {output:?}")
             }
@@ -55,7 +57,7 @@ pub enum WorkspaceSwitch {
     FocusedExisting(OutputId),
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug)]
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq, Eq)]
 struct OutputState {
     geometry: OutputGeometry,
     active: WorkspaceId,
@@ -72,20 +74,20 @@ impl OutputState {
     }
 }
 
-#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug)]
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq, Eq)]
 struct EvacuatedWorkspace {
     workspace: WorkspaceId,
     target: Option<OutputId>,
     revision: u64,
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug)]
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq, Eq)]
 struct EvacuationRecord {
     active: WorkspaceId,
     workspaces: Vec<EvacuatedWorkspace>,
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug, Default)]
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Default, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub struct OutputWorkspaceMap {
     outputs: BTreeMap<OutputId, OutputState>,
     assignments: HashMap<WorkspaceId, OutputId>,
@@ -96,7 +98,110 @@ pub struct OutputWorkspaceMap {
     orphaned_focus: Option<WorkspaceId>,
 }
 
+/// A staged ownership decision. No windows, renderers or protocol resources are copied.
+#[derive(Debug)]
+pub struct DesktopPlan {
+    pub outputs: OutputWorkspaceMap,
+    pub created_workspaces: Vec<WorkspaceId>,
+    pub affected_outputs: BTreeSet<OutputId>,
+    pub focus_changed: bool,
+}
+
 impl OutputWorkspaceMap {
+    /// Plan against the final usable inventory, never a per-device intermediate.
+    /// An empty inventory is a valid headless desktop after physical loss.
+    pub fn plan_desktop(
+        &self,
+        usable: &[(OutputId, OutputGeometry)],
+        workspaces: &[WorkspaceId],
+        mut next_workspace: WorkspaceId,
+    ) -> Result<DesktopPlan, OutputError> {
+        let mut desired = BTreeMap::new();
+        for &(id, geometry) in usable {
+            if geometry.width <= 0
+                || geometry.height <= 0
+                || geometry.x.checked_add(geometry.width).is_none()
+                || geometry.y.checked_add(geometry.height).is_none()
+            {
+                return Err(OutputError::InvalidGeometry(id));
+            }
+            if desired.insert(id, geometry).is_some() {
+                return Err(OutputError::AlreadyConnected(id));
+            }
+        }
+        let returning = desired
+            .keys()
+            .filter(|id| !self.outputs.contains_key(id))
+            .filter_map(|id| self.evacuations.get(id).map(|record| (*id, record.clone())))
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        let mut outputs = self.clone();
+        let mut created_workspaces = Vec::new();
+        // New destinations exist before evacuation. Temporary removals must
+        // never become migration destinations, even when several GPUs disappear.
+        for (&id, &geometry) in &desired {
+            if outputs.outputs.contains_key(&id) {
+                outputs.update_geometry(id, geometry);
+                continue;
+            }
+            let fallback = workspaces
+                .iter()
+                .copied()
+                .filter(|workspace| {
+                    outputs.output_for_workspace(*workspace).is_none()
+                        && outputs.home_output(*workspace).is_none_or(|home| home == id)
+                })
+                .min()
+                .unwrap_or_else(|| {
+                    let workspace = next_workspace;
+                    next_workspace.0 = next_workspace.0.checked_add(1).expect("workspace IDs exhausted");
+                    created_workspaces.push(workspace);
+                    workspace
+                });
+            outputs.connect(id, geometry, fallback)?;
+        }
+        let mut removed = self
+            .connected_outputs()
+            .filter(|id| !desired.contains_key(id))
+            .map(|id| (id, outputs.outputs.remove(&id).unwrap()))
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        // Preserve the original focused workspace when several outputs vanish.
+        removed.sort_by_key(|(id, _)| (Some(*id) == self.focused, *id));
+        for (id, state) in removed {
+            outputs.evacuate(id, state);
+        }
+        // A returning output may initially be unable to reclaim the only
+        // workspace of a donor that is itself retiring. Retry the same policy
+        // against the final inventory, where that donor no longer needs it.
+        for (id, record) in returning {
+            let reclaimed = outputs.reclaim(id, &record);
+            let state = outputs.outputs.get_mut(&id).unwrap();
+            state.workspaces.extend(reclaimed.iter().copied());
+            if reclaimed.contains(&record.active) {
+                state.activate(record.active);
+            }
+        }
+        debug_assert!(outputs.validate());
+        let mut affected_outputs = BTreeSet::new();
+        for id in self.connected_outputs().chain(outputs.connected_outputs()) {
+            if self.outputs.get(&id) != outputs.outputs.get(&id) {
+                affected_outputs.insert(id);
+            }
+        }
+        let focus_changed = self.focused != outputs.focused
+            || self.focused.and_then(|id| self.active_workspace(id))
+                != outputs.focused.and_then(|id| outputs.active_workspace(id));
+        if focus_changed {
+            affected_outputs.extend(self.focused);
+            affected_outputs.extend(outputs.focused);
+        }
+        Ok(DesktopPlan {
+            outputs,
+            created_workspaces,
+            affected_outputs,
+            focus_changed,
+        })
+    }
+
     pub fn assigned_workspaces(&self, output: OutputId) -> impl DoubleEndedIterator<Item = WorkspaceId> + '_ {
         self.outputs
             .get(&output)
@@ -170,6 +275,56 @@ impl OutputWorkspaceMap {
         }
     }
 
+    fn reclaim(&mut self, output: OutputId, record: &EvacuationRecord) -> Vec<WorkspaceId> {
+        let mut reclaimed = Vec::new();
+        for evacuated in &record.workspaces {
+            let target = self
+                .assignments
+                .get(&evacuated.workspace)
+                .copied()
+                .or_else(|| evacuated.target.filter(|target| self.outputs.contains_key(target)));
+            let assignment_matches = self.homes.get(&evacuated.workspace) == Some(&output);
+            let revision_matches = self.revision(evacuated.workspace) == evacuated.revision;
+
+            if assignment_matches && revision_matches {
+                if target == Some(output) {
+                    reclaimed.push(evacuated.workspace);
+                    continue;
+                }
+                // Cleanup may have removed every other workspace while this
+                // monitor was disconnected. Never strand the donor output;
+                // the reconnecting monitor can use its fresh fallback.
+                if target
+                    .and_then(|target| self.outputs.get(&target))
+                    .is_some_and(|state| state.workspaces.len() == 1 && state.workspaces.contains(&evacuated.workspace))
+                {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                if let Some(target) = target
+                    && let Some(target_state) = self.outputs.get_mut(&target)
+                {
+                    target_state.workspaces.remove(&evacuated.workspace);
+                    if target_state.previous == Some(evacuated.workspace) {
+                        target_state.previous = None;
+                    }
+                    if target_state.active == evacuated.workspace
+                        && let Some(active) = target_state
+                            .workspaces
+                            .iter()
+                            .copied()
+                            .min_by_key(|workspace| workspace.0)
+                    {
+                        target_state.activate(active);
+                    }
+                }
+                self.assignments.insert(evacuated.workspace, output);
+                reclaimed.push(evacuated.workspace);
+            }
+        }
+        reclaimed
+    }
+
     pub fn connect(
         &mut self,
         output: OutputId,
@@ -181,52 +336,10 @@ impl OutputWorkspaceMap {
         }
 
         let record = self.evacuations.remove(&output);
-        let mut reclaimed = Vec::new();
-        if let Some(record) = &record {
-            for evacuated in &record.workspaces {
-                let target = self
-                    .assignments
-                    .get(&evacuated.workspace)
-                    .copied()
-                    .or_else(|| evacuated.target.filter(|target| self.outputs.contains_key(target)));
-                let assignment_matches = self.homes.get(&evacuated.workspace) == Some(&output);
-                let revision_matches = self.revision(evacuated.workspace) == evacuated.revision;
-
-                if assignment_matches && revision_matches {
-                    // Cleanup may have removed every other workspace while this
-                    // monitor was disconnected. Never strand the donor output;
-                    // the reconnecting monitor can use its fresh fallback.
-                    if target
-                        .and_then(|target| self.outputs.get(&target))
-                        .is_some_and(|state| {
-                            state.workspaces.len() == 1 && state.workspaces.contains(&evacuated.workspace)
-                        })
-                    {
-                        continue;
-                    }
-
-                    if let Some(target) = target
-                        && let Some(target_state) = self.outputs.get_mut(&target)
-                    {
-                        target_state.workspaces.remove(&evacuated.workspace);
-                        if target_state.previous == Some(evacuated.workspace) {
-                            target_state.previous = None;
-                        }
-                        if target_state.active == evacuated.workspace
-                            && let Some(active) = target_state
-                                .workspaces
-                                .iter()
-                                .copied()
-                                .min_by_key(|workspace| workspace.0)
-                        {
-                            target_state.activate(active);
-                        }
-                    }
-                    self.assignments.insert(evacuated.workspace, output);
-                    reclaimed.push(evacuated.workspace);
-                }
-            }
-        }
+        let mut reclaimed = record
+            .as_ref()
+            .map(|record| self.reclaim(output, record))
+            .unwrap_or_default();
 
         let active = record
             .as_ref()
@@ -286,6 +399,12 @@ impl OutputWorkspaceMap {
 
     pub fn disconnect(&mut self, output: OutputId) -> Result<Option<OutputId>, OutputError> {
         let removed = self.outputs.remove(&output).ok_or(OutputError::UnknownOutput(output))?;
+        let target = self.evacuate(output, removed);
+        debug_assert!(self.validate());
+        Ok(target)
+    }
+
+    fn evacuate(&mut self, output: OutputId, removed: OutputState) -> Option<OutputId> {
         let target = self.migration_target(output, removed.geometry);
         let removed_had_focus = self.focused == Some(output);
         let mut evacuated = removed.workspaces.into_iter().collect::<Vec<_>>();
@@ -332,8 +451,7 @@ impl OutputWorkspaceMap {
             },
         );
 
-        debug_assert!(self.validate());
-        Ok(target)
+        target
     }
 
     pub fn focus_output(&mut self, output: OutputId) -> Result<(), OutputError> {
@@ -445,6 +563,9 @@ impl OutputWorkspaceMap {
             }
             if donor.active == workspace {
                 donor.active = *donor.workspaces.first().expect("donor retains a workspace");
+                if donor.previous == Some(donor.active) {
+                    donor.previous = None;
+                }
             }
         }
         self.assignments.insert(workspace, output);
@@ -516,6 +637,199 @@ impl OutputWorkspaceMap {
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
+    fn plan(map: &OutputWorkspaceMap, ids: &[u64]) -> DesktopPlan {
+        map.plan_desktop(
+            &ids.iter()
+                .map(|id| (OutputId(*id), geometry(*id as i32 * 1920)))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+            &(1..=32).map(WorkspaceId).collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+            WorkspaceId(33),
+        )
+        .unwrap()
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn staged_add_remove_and_noop_leave_the_source_unchanged() {
+        let original = OutputWorkspaceMap::default();
+        let first = plan(&original, &[1]);
+        assert_eq!(original, OutputWorkspaceMap::default());
+        let second = plan(&first.outputs, &[1, 2]);
+        assert_eq!(first.outputs.connected_outputs().count(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(second.outputs.connected_outputs().count(), 2);
+        let unchanged = plan(&second.outputs, &[2, 1]);
+        assert_eq!(unchanged.outputs, second.outputs);
+        assert!(unchanged.affected_outputs.is_empty());
+        assert!(!unchanged.focus_changed);
+        let removed = plan(&second.outputs, &[1]);
+        assert_eq!(removed.outputs.focused_output(), Some(OutputId(1)));
+        assert_eq!(removed.outputs.active_workspace(OutputId(1)), Some(WorkspaceId(1)));
+        assert_eq!(removed.outputs.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(2)), Some(OutputId(1)));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn simultaneous_removals_migrate_directly_to_final_outputs_and_preserve_focus() {
+        let mut before = plan(&OutputWorkspaceMap::default(), &[1, 2, 3]).outputs;
+        before.focus_output(OutputId(2)).unwrap();
+        let after = plan(&before, &[4]);
+        assert_eq!(after.outputs.focused_output(), Some(OutputId(4)));
+        assert_eq!(after.outputs.active_workspace(OutputId(4)), Some(WorkspaceId(2)));
+        for workspace in 1..=3 {
+            assert_eq!(
+                after.outputs.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(workspace)),
+                Some(OutputId(4))
+            );
+        }
+        for evacuation in after.outputs.evacuations.values() {
+            assert!(
+                evacuation
+                    .workspaces
+                    .iter()
+                    .all(|workspace| workspace.target == Some(OutputId(4)))
+            );
+        }
+        assert_eq!(before.connected_outputs().count(), 3);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn staged_reconnect_respects_explicit_reassignment() {
+        let before = plan(&OutputWorkspaceMap::default(), &[1, 2]).outputs;
+        let mut evacuated = plan(&before, &[1]).outputs;
+        let restored = plan(&evacuated, &[1, 2]);
+        assert_eq!(restored.outputs.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(2)), Some(OutputId(2)));
+        evacuated
+            .reassign_workspace(OutputId(1), WorkspaceId(2), WorkspaceId(9))
+            .unwrap();
+        let reassigned = plan(&evacuated, &[1, 2]);
+        assert_eq!(
+            reassigned.outputs.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(2)),
+            Some(OutputId(1))
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn returning_home_reclaims_from_a_donor_retired_in_the_same_plan() {
+        let mut before = plan(&OutputWorkspaceMap::default(), &[1, 2, 3]).outputs;
+        before.focus_output(OutputId(2)).unwrap();
+        before.disconnect(OutputId(1)).unwrap();
+        before.switch_workspace(OutputId(2), WorkspaceId(1)).unwrap();
+        assert!(before.forget_workspace(WorkspaceId(2)));
+        before.focus_output(OutputId(3)).unwrap();
+        let after = plan(&before, &[1, 3]).outputs;
+        assert_eq!(after.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(1)), Some(OutputId(1)));
+        assert_eq!(after.active_workspace(OutputId(1)), Some(WorkspaceId(1)));
+        assert_eq!(after.focused_output(), Some(OutputId(3)));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn invalid_inventory_cannot_mutate_the_published_map() {
+        let before = plan(&OutputWorkspaceMap::default(), &[1, 2]).outputs;
+        let saved = before.clone();
+        assert!(
+            before
+                .plan_desktop(
+                    &[(OutputId(1), geometry(0)), (OutputId(1), geometry(1))],
+                    &[],
+                    WorkspaceId(3)
+                )
+                .is_err()
+        );
+        assert!(
+            before
+                .plan_desktop(&[(OutputId(3), OutputGeometry::new(0, 0, 0, 800))], &[], WorkspaceId(3))
+                .is_err()
+        );
+        assert_eq!(before, saved);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn physical_loss_can_publish_headless_and_recover_all_workspaces() {
+        let mut before = plan(&OutputWorkspaceMap::default(), &[1, 2]).outputs;
+        before.focus_output(OutputId(2)).unwrap();
+        let headless = plan(&before, &[]).outputs;
+        assert_eq!(headless.focused_output(), None);
+        assert!(headless.assignments.is_empty());
+        let recovered = plan(&headless, &[3]).outputs;
+        assert_eq!(recovered.active_workspace(OutputId(3)), Some(WorkspaceId(2)));
+        for id in [1, 2] {
+            assert_eq!(recovered.output_for_workspace(WorkspaceId(id)), Some(OutputId(3)));
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn deterministic_topology_sequence_is_coherent_and_idempotent() {
+        let mut map = OutputWorkspaceMap::default();
+        let mut seed = 0x5eed_u64;
+        for step in 0..512 {
+            seed = seed.wrapping_mul(6364136223846793005).wrapping_add(1);
+            let ids = (1..=4).filter(|id| seed & (1 << id) != 0).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+            let next = plan(&map, &ids);
+            assert!(next.outputs.validate(), "step {step}");
+            assert_eq!(plan(&next.outputs, &ids).outputs, next.outputs);
+            map = next.outputs;
+            if let Some(&id) = ids.first() {
+                map.focus_output(OutputId(id)).unwrap();
+                let workspace = WorkspaceId(16 + step % 8);
+                map.switch_workspace(OutputId(id), workspace).unwrap();
+                if step % 3 == 0 {
+                    map.reassign_workspace(OutputId(id), workspace, WorkspaceId(31))
+                        .unwrap();
+                }
+            }
+            assert!(map.validate());
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn deterministic_desktop_sequence_preserves_every_window() {
+        use crate::WorkspaceSet;
+        use ferese_layout::{Axis, WindowId};
+        let mut workspaces = WorkspaceSet::default();
+        let mut outputs = OutputWorkspaceMap::default();
+        let mut seed = 42u64;
+        let mut windows = std::collections::HashSet::new();
+        for step in 1..=256 {
+            seed = seed.wrapping_mul(6364136223846793005).wrapping_add(1);
+            let inventory = (1..=3)
+                .filter(|id| seed & (1 << id) != 0)
+                .map(|id| (OutputId(id), geometry(id as i32 * 800)))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+            let ids = workspaces.iter().map(|workspace| workspace.id).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+            let plan = outputs
+                .plan_desktop(&inventory, &ids, workspaces.next_workspace_id())
+                .unwrap();
+            for id in plan.created_workspaces {
+                assert_eq!(workspaces.create_workspace(), id);
+            }
+            outputs = plan.outputs;
+            outputs.reconcile_workspaces(&mut workspaces, &Default::default());
+            let window = WindowId(step);
+            workspaces.insert_window(window, Axis::Horizontal, 0.5).unwrap();
+            windows.insert(window);
+            if let Some((output, _)) = inventory.last() {
+                outputs.focus_output(*output).unwrap();
+                let target = outputs.active_workspace(*output).unwrap();
+                workspaces
+                    .move_window_to_workspace(window, target, Axis::Horizontal, 0.5)
+                    .unwrap();
+                workspaces.activate(target).unwrap();
+            }
+            assert!(outputs.validate());
+            workspaces.validate().unwrap();
+            let actual = workspaces
+                .iter()
+                .flat_map(|workspace| workspace.layout.window_ids().chain(workspace.floating.iter().copied()))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+            assert_eq!(actual.len(), windows.len(), "duplicate or lost window at {step}");
+            assert_eq!(actual.into_iter().collect::<std::collections::HashSet<_>>(), windows);
+            for workspace in workspaces.iter().filter(|workspace| !workspace.is_empty()) {
+                assert_eq!(
+                    outputs.output_for_workspace(workspace.id).is_some(),
+                    !inventory.is_empty()
+                );
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn reconnect_cannot_reclaim_the_donor_monitors_only_workspace() {
         let mut outputs = OutputWorkspaceMap::default();
diff --git a/crates/ferese-core/src/workspace.rs b/crates/ferese-core/src/workspace.rs
index cd4a6f8..6359460 100644
--- a/crates/ferese-core/src/workspace.rs
+++ b/crates/ferese-core/src/workspace.rs
@@ -672,6 +672,11 @@ impl WorkspaceSet {
             .ok_or(WorkspaceError::UnknownWorkspace(id))
     }
 
+    /// Reserve workspace identities in a pure topology plan without creating them.
+    pub fn next_workspace_id(&self) -> WorkspaceId {
+        WorkspaceId(self.next_id)
+    }
+
     /// Creates an identity; display positions are assigned by the output owner.
     pub fn create_workspace(&mut self) -> WorkspaceId {
         let id = WorkspaceId(self.next_id);
diff --git a/docs/desktop-reconciliation.md b/docs/desktop-reconciliation.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78ffa72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/desktop-reconciliation.md
@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+# Desktop reconciliation and presentation
+
+During an output topology change, Ferese publishes one logical desktop after
+the usable hardware inventory is known.
+The boundary is synchronous within one event-loop dispatch;
+it does not wait for client commits, animation completion or page flips.
+
+## Previous flow
+
+`direct/topology.rs::reconcile_outputs` already centralized hotplug, profile
+changes, retry and resume. It debounced connector events, validated device-wide
+KMS requests, applied devices independently and attempted compensation on failure.
+Its `reconciling` guard suppressed relayout, shell broadcasts and frame scheduling.
+
+Inside that guard, `apply_device` still changed live Wayland output metadata,
+registered each output and updated output/workspace geometry. Registration could
+restore evacuated workspaces and reposition floating windows. Retirement called
+`unregister_output`, which combined render/capture/lock cleanup with workspace
+migration, focus changes, floating movement and relayout. Thus later devices or
+rollback operated on desktop policy already changed by earlier devices.
+
+The end of reconciliation restored focus, performed global relayout (including
+client configures, surface preferences, a shell snapshot and redraw), then made
+another global redraw request. Profile configuration reload could relayout again.
+
+## Current phases
+
+1. **Observe and choose desired hardware.** Reconciliation uses the existing
+   monitor identities, profile selection, position policy, hotplug coalescer and
+   lid/resume handling.
+2. **Validate and apply hardware.** The backend uses device-wide atomic TEST_ONLY
+   validation, Smithay resource staging/commits, per-device rollback, cross-device
+   compensation and last-output recovery.
+   These operations update resource metadata, not live
+   workspace ownership or published output geometry.
+3. **Plan the publishable desktop.** After all hardware outcomes are known,
+   `publish_runtime_desktop` reports usable logical outputs. Physical mirror
+   scanouts do not acquire workspaces. `OutputWorkspaceMap::plan_desktop` stages a
+   small copy of ownership, geometry, focus and evacuation history. It uses the
+   existing connect/reclaim/evacuate policy and reserves any needed workspace IDs.
+   It rejects duplicate IDs and invalid geometry without changing the source map.
+4. **Publish logical state.** `Ferese::publish_desktop` computes floating moves
+   from the old geometry directly to the final geometry, then installs output
+   registries, Wayland output metadata, ownership, floating destinations and logical
+   focus. Slides that reference evacuated workspaces are retired. Unaffected
+   viewport, world-coordinate, window-animation and resize state remain intact.
+5. **Configure and finalize.** `finish_desktop_transition` performs one relayout
+   when needed, restores keyboard/lock focus, refreshes lock/idle policy, releases
+   the shell publication guard and requests redraws for affected outputs.
+   Existing layout
+   remains responsible for tiled destinations, layer work areas, surface-tree
+   scale/transform preferences, XDG configures and animation target ownership.
+6. **Present asynchronously.** The existing resize barriers, native-content
+   snapshots, animations, frame scheduling and `DisplayPresentation` handle
+   client readiness, motion, frame submission and displayed-content tracking.
+   Logical publication does not assert that new pixels were displayed.
+
+The desired hardware plan precedes application; the ownership plan is calculated
+from the result of application and recovery. This avoids computing
+and then undoing migrations to requested outputs that never became usable.
+
+## Types and scope
+
+- `DesktopPlan` is pure data: the staged `OutputWorkspaceMap`, reserved workspace
+  IDs, affected output IDs and focus dirtiness. It copies neither window layouts
+  nor client buffers nor the whole compositor. Window layout is not duplicated.
+- `DesktopOutput` adapts actual backend resources to that planner. Its Wayland
+  handles, mode, scale and transform stay in the compositor, outside the pure map.
+- `DesktopTransition` holds short-lived resource retirement/redraw bookkeeping and
+  guards shell publication while the synchronous transition is in progress.
+- `DesktopChanges` distinguishes layout, focus, shell and redraw consequences for
+  the finalizer. Resume can request fresh frames without forcing a topology change.
+
+Registration/removal outside DRM and nested output resizing use the same logical
+publication path. Profile reload carries accompanying scene dirtiness into its
+finalization rather than immediately relayouting the desktop a second time.
+Pointer movement, client damage, ordinary focus, title changes, cursor updates and
+frame callbacks do not construct or run a desktop plan.
+
+## Failure, retirement and security
+
+A rejected hardware configuration leaves the desktop unchanged if the previous
+hardware remains usable. After physical loss or failed restoration,
+unusable scanouts are retired immediately, and the final plan excludes them.
+There is no atomicity guarantee across independent DRM devices.
+
+Low-level retirement still disables globals, cancels frame timers and removes DRM
+presentation clocks. `retire_output_resources` clears records of displayed client
+content, output render caches, pending screencopies and lock resources.
+It does **not**
+migrate workspaces, change logical focus or relayout. Repeated retirement within
+the same boundary is harmless. Publication removes the output from Space and the
+logical registries once the final inventory is available.
+
+If every physical output disappears, a headless desktop is valid: windows and
+workspace restoration history survive, while output ownership and keyboard focus
+are cleared. A requested all-disabled configuration still follows the existing
+validation/recovery policy. A powered-off output is not the same as a retired
+output; runtime output power remains independent of topology.
+
+Session-lock protection remains mandatory for new/reconfigured scanouts. Hardware
+resets invalidate records of previously displayed content and lock frames.
+The boundary does not
+allow a saved desktop frame to substitute for a protected lock frame.
+
+## Readiness, motion and shell visibility
+
+`ResizeTransaction` remains the only configure readiness barrier. Its existing
+300 ms deadline and workspace coupling are unchanged: neighbors sharing the same
+viewport may pause together, but an unrelated workspace/output continues advancing.
+Existing committed client size/content may lag a newly published logical size.
+Reconciliation does not acknowledge client configures, advance springs itself,
+reset unrelated velocity or introduce another snapshot/animation system.
+
+Shell broadcasts and initial subscription snapshots are deferred while the
+boundary is open. The finalizer releases that guard only after output ownership,
+focus, workspace cleanup and logical window layout agree. The existing shell
+snapshot protocol and deduplication remain in use. A snapshot describes the
+committed logical state; it does not mean every output has displayed that state.
+
+`DisplayPresentation` remains a record of queued/displayed client visibility,
+not a topology transaction or a frame buffer store. Existing native resize
+snapshots survive output-cache retirement; GPU context loss still invalidates
+textures owned by that context. No new cross-GPU snapshot transport is introduced.
+Hardware preparation still uses a black modeset frame where required by the
+existing backend. This change prevents unintended logical intermediate desktops;
+it does not guarantee uninterrupted physical scanout through a modeset or
+device loss.
+
+## Regression coverage
+
+Pure planner tests cover addition/removal, focused and non-focused removal,
+replacement of multiple outputs, reconnect/explicit reassignment, a returning
+output whose donor retires in the same plan, headless recovery, failed planning,
+no-op/idempotent reconciliation and deterministic 512-step ownership sequences.
+A separate 256-step sequence mutates topology, focus, workspace/window membership
+and validates ownership and preservation of every window after each step.
+
+The fake hardware transaction test applies commit and rollback failures, then
+plans from survivors: successful rollback produces no logical change; failed
+rollback produces a coherent reduced desktop without the requested new output.
+
+The private Wayland integration regression uses actual shell, XDG toplevel and
+session-lock resources. It checks no intermediate shell generation, one complete
+final snapshot, repeated retirement, floating clamping, focused-window migration,
+removal during a workspace slide, pending XDG resize after publication, another
+workspace's progress during the wait, deadline expiry, no-op inventories and
+locked headless loss/recovery. Fractional-scale/rotation tests compare planner
+geometry directly with Smithay's Space geometry.
+
+Physical KMS commits, cross-GPU recovery and resume still require the native
+checks in [output-management-testing.md](output-management-testing.md). Pure and
+private-protocol tests do not validate a DRM driver's behavior.
diff --git a/docs/development.md b/docs/development.md
index 669c016..51b74d2 100644
--- a/docs/development.md
+++ b/docs/development.md
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ Keep another desktop available for direct-session recovery.
 
 ## Test guides
 
+- [Desktop reconciliation](desktop-reconciliation.md): topology publication, hardware failure and presentation ownership.
+
 - [Output management tests](output-management-testing.md): profiles, hotplug, mirroring, lid handling and failed DRM commits.
 - [Nested resize checks](nested-resize-testing.md): wallpaper and bar responsiveness.
 - [Client soak testing](native-soak-testing.md): repeated client lifecycle and resource growth.