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+# Worker Lifecycle Redesign Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (recommended) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** Make the worker owned by a single external mechanism (a per-user Startup-folder shortcut in production), stop the App from auto-spawning its own worker, and show an actionable prompt when the App can't connect.
+
+**Architecture:** Installer creates a `.lnk` in the Windows Startup folder instead of a Scheduled Task (migrating existing installs by deleting the old task). The App's `IslandsShellViewModel` drops `EnsureWorkerRunningAsync` and instead runs a one-shot grace timer that opens a `WorkerConnectionModal` (Start Worker / Rerun Installer / Dismiss) if still offline; the footer status pill becomes a button that reopens it.
+
+**Tech Stack:** .NET 8, WPF installer (COM `IShellLink` for shortcuts), Avalonia + CommunityToolkit.Mvvm UI, xUnit.
+
+---
+
+## File Structure
+
+**Installer (`src/ClaudeDo.Installer`)**
+- Create: `Core/ShortcutFactory.cs` — shared `IShellLink` COM helper (`CreateShortcut`).
+- Create: `Core/AutostartShortcut.cs` — install/remove the worker Startup-folder `.lnk`.
+- Modify: `Steps/CreateShortcutsStep.cs` — use `ShortcutFactory`, drop embedded COM.
+- Modify: `Steps/RegisterAutostartStep.cs` — Startup shortcut + legacy-task delete (no more task XML).
+- Modify: `Steps/StartWorkerStep.cs` — `Process.Start` instead of `schtasks /Run`.
+- Modify: `Steps/StopWorkerStep.cs` — drop `schtasks /End`.
+- Modify: `Core/UninstallRunner.cs` — remove the Startup `.lnk`.
+- Delete: `Core/ScheduledTaskXml.cs` (and its test).
+
+**App (`src/ClaudeDo.Ui`)**
+- Create: `ViewModels/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalViewModel.cs`.
+- Create: `Views/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalView.axaml` (+ `.axaml.cs`).
+- Modify: `ViewModels/IslandsShellViewModel.cs` — remove auto-spawn; add hook, command, grace timer, decision gate.
+- Modify: `Views/MainWindow.axaml.cs` — wire the new modal.
+- Modify: `Views/MainWindow.axaml` — clickable status pill.
+
+**Tests**
+- Modify: `tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/` — delete `ScheduledTaskXmlTests.cs`; add `ShortcutFactoryTests.cs`, `AutostartShortcutTests.cs`.
+- Add: `tests/ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests/ConnectionPromptGateTests.cs`.
+
+---
+
+## Task 1: ShortcutFactory (shared COM helper)
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/ShortcutFactory.cs`
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/CreateShortcutsStep.cs`
+- Test: `tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/ShortcutFactoryTests.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test**
+
+`tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/ShortcutFactoryTests.cs`:
+```csharp
+using System.IO;
+using ClaudeDo.Installer.Core;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests;
+
+public class ShortcutFactoryTests
+{
+    [Fact]
+    public void CreateShortcut_writes_lnk_file()
+    {
+        var dir = Path.Combine(Path.GetTempPath(), "cdshortcut-" + Guid.NewGuid().ToString("N"));
+        Directory.CreateDirectory(dir);
+        try
+        {
+            var target = Path.Combine(dir, "fake.exe");
+            File.WriteAllText(target, "");
+            var lnk = Path.Combine(dir, "x.lnk");
+
+            ShortcutFactory.CreateShortcut(lnk, target, dir, "desc");
+
+            Assert.True(File.Exists(lnk));
+        }
+        finally { Directory.Delete(dir, recursive: true); }
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**
+
+Run: `dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests --filter ShortcutFactoryTests`
+Expected: FAIL — `ShortcutFactory` does not exist (compile error).
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Create `ShortcutFactory` (move COM interop out of `CreateShortcutsStep`)**
+
+`src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/ShortcutFactory.cs`:
+```csharp
+using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
+using System.Runtime.InteropServices.ComTypes;
+using System.Text;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Installer.Core;
+
+public static class ShortcutFactory
+{
+    public static void CreateShortcut(string shortcutPath, string targetPath, string workingDir, string description)
+    {
+        var link = (IShellLink)new ShellLink();
+        link.SetPath(targetPath);
+        link.SetWorkingDirectory(workingDir);
+        link.SetDescription(description);
+        link.SetIconLocation(targetPath, 0);
+
+        var file = (IPersistFile)link;
+        file.Save(shortcutPath, false);
+    }
+
+    [ComImport]
+    [Guid("00021401-0000-0000-C000-000000000046")]
+    private class ShellLink { }
+
+    [ComImport]
+    [InterfaceType(ComInterfaceType.InterfaceIsIUnknown)]
+    [Guid("000214F9-0000-0000-C000-000000000046")]
+    private interface IShellLink
+    {
+        void GetPath([Out, MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] StringBuilder pszFile, int cchMaxPath, IntPtr pfd, int fFlags);
+        void GetIDList(out IntPtr ppidl);
+        void SetIDList(IntPtr pidl);
+        void GetDescription([Out, MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] StringBuilder pszName, int cchMaxName);
+        void SetDescription([MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] string pszName);
+        void GetWorkingDirectory([Out, MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] StringBuilder pszDir, int cchMaxPath);
+        void SetWorkingDirectory([MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] string pszDir);
+        void GetArguments([Out, MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] StringBuilder pszArgs, int cchMaxPath);
+        void SetArguments([MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] string pszArgs);
+        void GetHotkey(out short pwHotkey);
+        void SetHotkey(short wHotkey);
+        void GetShowCmd(out int piShowCmd);
+        void SetShowCmd(int iShowCmd);
+        void GetIconLocation([Out, MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] StringBuilder pszIconPath, int cchIconPath, out int piIcon);
+        void SetIconLocation([MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] string pszIconPath, int iIcon);
+        void SetRelativePath([MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] string pszPathRel, int dwReserved);
+        void Resolve(IntPtr hwnd, int fFlags);
+        void SetPath([MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)] string pszFile);
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Replace the embedded COM in `CreateShortcutsStep` with the helper**
+
+In `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/CreateShortcutsStep.cs`: delete the private `CreateShortcut` method and the entire `#region COM Interop for IShellLink` block (lines 47-90), remove the now-unused `using System.Runtime.InteropServices;`, `using System.Runtime.InteropServices.ComTypes;`, and `using System.Text;`. Replace the two `CreateShortcut(...)` call sites with `ShortcutFactory.CreateShortcut(...)`:
+```csharp
+ShortcutFactory.CreateShortcut(startMenuPath, appExe, workingDir, "ClaudeDo Task Manager");
+```
+```csharp
+ShortcutFactory.CreateShortcut(desktopPath, appExe, workingDir, "ClaudeDo Task Manager");
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests --filter ShortcutFactoryTests`
+Expected: PASS.
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/ShortcutFactory.cs src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/CreateShortcutsStep.cs tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/ShortcutFactoryTests.cs
+git commit -m "refactor(installer): extract ShortcutFactory COM helper"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 2: AutostartShortcut helper
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/AutostartShortcut.cs`
+- Test: `tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/AutostartShortcutTests.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+`tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/AutostartShortcutTests.cs`:
+```csharp
+using System.IO;
+using ClaudeDo.Installer.Core;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests;
+
+public class AutostartShortcutTests
+{
+    private static string TempDir()
+    {
+        var dir = Path.Combine(Path.GetTempPath(), "cdautostart-" + Guid.NewGuid().ToString("N"));
+        Directory.CreateDirectory(dir);
+        return dir;
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void Install_creates_lnk_with_expected_name()
+    {
+        var startup = TempDir();
+        var workerDir = TempDir();
+        try
+        {
+            var workerExe = Path.Combine(workerDir, "ClaudeDo.Worker.exe");
+            File.WriteAllText(workerExe, "");
+
+            AutostartShortcut.Install(startup, workerExe);
+
+            Assert.True(File.Exists(Path.Combine(startup, AutostartShortcut.FileName)));
+        }
+        finally { Directory.Delete(startup, true); Directory.Delete(workerDir, true); }
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void Remove_deletes_existing_lnk()
+    {
+        var startup = TempDir();
+        var workerDir = TempDir();
+        try
+        {
+            var workerExe = Path.Combine(workerDir, "ClaudeDo.Worker.exe");
+            File.WriteAllText(workerExe, "");
+            AutostartShortcut.Install(startup, workerExe);
+
+            AutostartShortcut.Remove(startup);
+
+            Assert.False(File.Exists(Path.Combine(startup, AutostartShortcut.FileName)));
+        }
+        finally { Directory.Delete(startup, true); Directory.Delete(workerDir, true); }
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void Remove_is_noop_when_missing()
+    {
+        var startup = TempDir();
+        try { AutostartShortcut.Remove(startup); } // must not throw
+        finally { Directory.Delete(startup, true); }
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests --filter AutostartShortcutTests`
+Expected: FAIL — `AutostartShortcut` does not exist.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Create `AutostartShortcut`**
+
+`src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/AutostartShortcut.cs`:
+```csharp
+using System.IO;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Installer.Core;
+
+public static class AutostartShortcut
+{
+    public const string FileName = "ClaudeDo Worker.lnk";
+
+    public static string DefaultStartupDir =>
+        Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.Startup);
+
+    public static string PathIn(string startupDir) => Path.Combine(startupDir, FileName);
+
+    public static void Install(string startupDir, string workerExe)
+    {
+        Directory.CreateDirectory(startupDir);
+        var workingDir = Path.GetDirectoryName(workerExe) ?? startupDir;
+        ShortcutFactory.CreateShortcut(PathIn(startupDir), workerExe, workingDir, "ClaudeDo background worker");
+    }
+
+    public static void Remove(string startupDir)
+    {
+        var path = PathIn(startupDir);
+        if (File.Exists(path)) File.Delete(path);
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests --filter AutostartShortcutTests`
+Expected: PASS (3 tests).
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/AutostartShortcut.cs tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/AutostartShortcutTests.cs
+git commit -m "feat(installer): add AutostartShortcut helper for Startup-folder lnk"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 3: RegisterAutostartStep → Startup shortcut + task migration
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/RegisterAutostartStep.cs`
+- Delete: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/ScheduledTaskXml.cs`
+- Delete: `tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/ScheduledTaskXmlTests.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Replace the step body**
+
+Rewrite `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/RegisterAutostartStep.cs` to:
+```csharp
+using System.IO;
+using ClaudeDo.Installer.Core;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Installer.Steps;
+
+public sealed class RegisterAutostartStep : IInstallStep
+{
+    public const string LegacyTaskName = "ClaudeDoWorker";
+    private const string LegacyServiceName = "ClaudeDoWorker";
+
+    public string Name => "Register Autostart";
+
+    public async Task<StepResult> ExecuteAsync(InstallContext ctx, IProgress<string> progress, CancellationToken ct)
+    {
+        var workerExe = Path.Combine(ctx.InstallDirectory, "worker", "ClaudeDo.Worker.exe");
+        if (!File.Exists(workerExe))
+            return StepResult.Fail($"Worker executable not found: {workerExe}");
+
+        // 1) Migrate away the legacy Windows service if present.
+        progress.Report("Checking for legacy worker service...");
+        var (queryExit, _) = await ProcessRunner.RunAsync("sc.exe", $"query {LegacyServiceName}", null, progress, ct);
+        if (queryExit == 0)
+        {
+            progress.Report("Removing legacy worker service...");
+            await ProcessRunner.RunAsync("sc.exe", $"stop {LegacyServiceName}", null, progress, ct);
+            await ProcessRunner.RunAsync("sc.exe", $"delete {LegacyServiceName}", null, progress, ct);
+            for (var i = 0; i < 30; i++)
+            {
+                ct.ThrowIfCancellationRequested();
+                var (q, _) = await ProcessRunner.RunAsync("sc.exe", $"query {LegacyServiceName}", null, progress, ct);
+                if (q != 0) break;
+                await Task.Delay(1000, ct);
+            }
+        }
+
+        // 2) Migrate away the legacy logon scheduled task if present (best-effort).
+        progress.Report("Removing legacy logon task...");
+        await ProcessRunner.RunAsync("schtasks.exe", $"/Delete /TN \"{LegacyTaskName}\" /F", null, progress, ct);
+
+        // 3) Register per-user autostart via a Startup-folder shortcut.
+        progress.Report("Creating Startup shortcut...");
+        try
+        {
+            AutostartShortcut.Install(AutostartShortcut.DefaultStartupDir, workerExe);
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            return StepResult.Fail($"Failed to create Startup shortcut: {ex.Message}");
+        }
+
+        return StepResult.Ok();
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Delete the obsolete scheduled-task code and its test**
+
+Run:
+```bash
+git rm src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/ScheduledTaskXml.cs tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests/ScheduledTaskXmlTests.cs
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Build the installer to verify it compiles**
+
+Run: `dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.Installer/ClaudeDo.Installer.csproj`
+Expected: Build succeeded. (If `RegisterAutostartStep.TaskName` was referenced elsewhere, the build will flag it — Task 4 and Task 5 update those references; if the build fails only there, proceed to those tasks before re-running.)
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/RegisterAutostartStep.cs
+git commit -m "feat(installer): register autostart via Startup shortcut, drop scheduled task"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 4: StartWorkerStep + StopWorkerStep
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/StartWorkerStep.cs`
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/StopWorkerStep.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Rewrite `StartWorkerStep` to launch the exe directly**
+
+`src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/StartWorkerStep.cs`:
+```csharp
+using System.Diagnostics;
+using System.IO;
+using ClaudeDo.Installer.Core;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Installer.Steps;
+
+public sealed class StartWorkerStep : IInstallStep
+{
+    public string Name => "Start Worker";
+
+    public Task<StepResult> ExecuteAsync(InstallContext ctx, IProgress<string> progress, CancellationToken ct)
+    {
+        var workerExe = Path.Combine(ctx.InstallDirectory, "worker", "ClaudeDo.Worker.exe");
+        if (!File.Exists(workerExe))
+            return Task.FromResult(StepResult.Fail($"Worker executable not found: {workerExe}"));
+
+        progress.Report("Starting worker...");
+        try
+        {
+            Process.Start(new ProcessStartInfo(workerExe) { UseShellExecute = true });
+            return Task.FromResult(StepResult.Ok());
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            return Task.FromResult(StepResult.Fail($"Failed to start worker: {ex.Message}"));
+        }
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Drop the `schtasks /End` call in `StopWorkerStep`**
+
+In `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/StopWorkerStep.cs`, remove these two lines (the task no longer exists; the process kill below is the real stop):
+```csharp
+        progress.Report("Stopping worker task (if running)...");
+        await ProcessRunner.RunAsync("schtasks.exe", $"/End /TN \"{TaskName}\"", null, progress, ct);
+```
+Keep the `public const string TaskName = "ClaudeDoWorker";` line — `UninstallRunner` still references it for legacy-task cleanup (Task 5). The method keeps its `async` modifier (it still has `await Task.CompletedTask;`).
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Build to verify it compiles**
+
+Run: `dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.Installer/ClaudeDo.Installer.csproj`
+Expected: Build succeeded.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/StartWorkerStep.cs src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Steps/StopWorkerStep.cs
+git commit -m "feat(installer): start worker via Process.Start, drop schtasks stop"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 5: UninstallRunner removes the Startup shortcut
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/UninstallRunner.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Add Startup `.lnk` removal**
+
+In `src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/UninstallRunner.cs`, the shortcut-removal block (step 4, around lines 53-60) currently removes the Desktop and Start Menu `.lnk`s. Add the Startup shortcut removal right after them:
+```csharp
+        // 4) Remove shortcuts (best-effort — a stuck .lnk must not block the rest).
+        progress.Report("Removing shortcuts...");
+        TryDeleteFile(Path.Combine(
+            Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.CommonDesktopDirectory),
+            "ClaudeDo.lnk"));
+        TryDeleteFile(Path.Combine(
+            Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.CommonStartMenu),
+            "Programs", "ClaudeDo.lnk"));
+        TryDeleteFile(AutostartShortcut.PathIn(AutostartShortcut.DefaultStartupDir));
+```
+The existing `schtasks /Delete /TN "{StopWorkerStep.TaskName}" /F` line (step 3) stays — it cleans up the legacy task on machines that still have it.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Build to verify it compiles**
+
+Run: `dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.Installer/ClaudeDo.Installer.csproj`
+Expected: Build succeeded.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Installer/Core/UninstallRunner.cs
+git commit -m "feat(installer): remove Startup worker shortcut on uninstall"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 6: App stops auto-spawning the worker
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/IslandsShellViewModel.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Remove the auto-spawn call**
+
+In `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/IslandsShellViewModel.cs`, delete this line from the constructor (line 224):
+```csharp
+        _ = EnsureWorkerRunningAsync();
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Remove the `EnsureWorkerRunningAsync` method and its flag**
+
+Delete the `_ensureRunningAttempted` field (line 308) and the whole `EnsureWorkerRunningAsync` method (lines 310-320):
+```csharp
+    private bool _ensureRunningAttempted;
+
+    private async Task EnsureWorkerRunningAsync()
+    {
+        if (_ensureRunningAttempted) return;
+        _ensureRunningAttempted = true;
+        await Task.Delay(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(4));
+        if (Worker?.IsConnected == true) return;
+        var exe = _workerLocator.Find();
+        if (exe is null) return;
+        try { System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(new System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo(exe) { UseShellExecute = true }); }
+        catch { /* logon task is the primary mechanism; this is a convenience */ }
+    }
+```
+Keep `RestartWorkerAsync` / `RestartWorkerService` (still used by the existing Restart button). `_workerLocator` stays in use (RestartWorkerService + Task 8).
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Build to verify it compiles**
+
+Run: `dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.App/ClaudeDo.App.csproj`
+Expected: Build succeeded (no remaining references to `EnsureWorkerRunningAsync`).
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/IslandsShellViewModel.cs
+git commit -m "refactor(ui): stop auto-spawning the worker on app start"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 7: WorkerConnectionModal (VM + View)
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalViewModel.cs`
+- Create: `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalView.axaml`
+- Create: `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalView.axaml.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Create the ViewModel**
+
+`src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalViewModel.cs`:
+```csharp
+using System;
+using System.Diagnostics;
+using ClaudeDo.Ui.Services;
+using CommunityToolkit.Mvvm.Input;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Ui.ViewModels.Modals;
+
+public sealed partial class WorkerConnectionModalViewModel : ViewModelBase
+{
+    private readonly WorkerLocator _workerLocator;
+    private readonly InstallerLocator _installerLocator;
+
+    public WorkerConnectionModalViewModel(WorkerLocator workerLocator, InstallerLocator installerLocator)
+    {
+        _workerLocator = workerLocator;
+        _installerLocator = installerLocator;
+    }
+
+    public Action? CloseAction { get; set; }
+
+    [RelayCommand] private void Close() => CloseAction?.Invoke();
+
+    [RelayCommand]
+    private void StartWorker()
+    {
+        var exe = _workerLocator.Find();
+        if (exe is null) return;
+        try { Process.Start(new ProcessStartInfo(exe) { UseShellExecute = true }); }
+        catch { /* nothing useful to show */ }
+        CloseAction?.Invoke();
+    }
+
+    [RelayCommand]
+    private void RerunInstaller()
+    {
+        var path = _installerLocator.Find();
+        if (path is null) return;
+        try
+        {
+            Process.Start(new ProcessStartInfo(path) { UseShellExecute = true });
+            Environment.Exit(0);
+        }
+        catch { /* nothing useful to show */ }
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Create the View (mirrors `AboutModalView` + `ModalShell`)**
+
+`src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalView.axaml`:
+```xml
+<Window xmlns="https://github.com/avaloniaui"
+        xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml"
+        xmlns:vm="using:ClaudeDo.Ui.ViewModels.Modals"
+        xmlns:ctl="using:ClaudeDo.Ui.Views.Controls"
+        x:Class="ClaudeDo.Ui.Views.Modals.WorkerConnectionModalView"
+        x:DataType="vm:WorkerConnectionModalViewModel"
+        Title="Worker not reachable"
+        Width="520" Height="240"
+        WindowDecorations="None"
+        ExtendClientAreaToDecorationsHint="True"
+        WindowStartupLocation="CenterOwner"
+        Background="{DynamicResource SurfaceBrush}">
+  <Window.KeyBindings>
+    <KeyBinding Gesture="Escape" Command="{Binding CloseCommand}"/>
+  </Window.KeyBindings>
+
+  <ctl:ModalShell Title="WORKER NOT REACHABLE" CloseCommand="{Binding CloseCommand}">
+    <Grid RowDefinitions="*,Auto" Margin="20,16">
+      <TextBlock Grid.Row="0" Classes="meta" TextWrapping="Wrap"
+                 Text="ClaudeDo can't reach the background worker. It is normally started automatically at logon. You can start it now, or reinstall if the problem persists."/>
+      <StackPanel Grid.Row="1" Orientation="Horizontal" Spacing="8"
+                  HorizontalAlignment="Right" Margin="0,16,0,0">
+        <Button Classes="btn" Content="Dismiss" Command="{Binding CloseCommand}"/>
+        <Button Classes="btn" Content="Rerun Installer" Command="{Binding RerunInstallerCommand}"/>
+        <Button Classes="btn primary" Content="Start Worker" Command="{Binding StartWorkerCommand}"/>
+      </StackPanel>
+    </Grid>
+  </ctl:ModalShell>
+</Window>
+```
+
+`src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalView.axaml.cs`:
+```csharp
+using Avalonia.Controls;
+using Avalonia.Markup.Xaml;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Ui.Views.Modals;
+
+public partial class WorkerConnectionModalView : Window
+{
+    public WorkerConnectionModalView()
+    {
+        InitializeComponent();
+    }
+
+    private void InitializeComponent() => AvaloniaXamlLoader.Load(this);
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Build to verify it compiles**
+
+Run: `dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.App/ClaudeDo.App.csproj`
+Expected: Build succeeded.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalViewModel.cs src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalView.axaml src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/Modals/WorkerConnectionModalView.axaml.cs
+git commit -m "feat(ui): add worker connection help modal"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 8: Shell hook, command, grace timer + decision gate
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/IslandsShellViewModel.cs`
+- Test: `tests/ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests/ConnectionPromptGateTests.cs`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test for the decision gate**
+
+`tests/ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests/ConnectionPromptGateTests.cs`:
+```csharp
+using ClaudeDo.Ui.ViewModels;
+using Xunit;
+
+namespace ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests;
+
+public class ConnectionPromptGateTests
+{
+    [Fact]
+    public void Shows_once_when_offline()
+    {
+        var vm = new IslandsShellViewModel();
+        Assert.True(vm.DecideShowConnectionPrompt(isOffline: true));
+        Assert.False(vm.DecideShowConnectionPrompt(isOffline: true)); // not a second time
+    }
+
+    [Fact]
+    public void Does_not_show_when_connected_before_grace()
+    {
+        var vm = new IslandsShellViewModel();
+        Assert.False(vm.DecideShowConnectionPrompt(isOffline: false));
+    }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**
+
+Run: `dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests --filter ConnectionPromptGateTests`
+Expected: FAIL — `DecideShowConnectionPrompt` does not exist.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add the hook, command, gate, and grace timer**
+
+In `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/IslandsShellViewModel.cs`:
+
+Add a hook property near the other `Show*Modal` hooks (after line 52):
+```csharp
+    // Set by MainWindow to open the worker-connection help dialog.
+    public Func<Modals.WorkerConnectionModalViewModel, Task>? ShowWorkerConnectionModal { get; set; }
+```
+
+Add the gate field + method and the open command (place near `OpenAbout`, around line 271):
+```csharp
+    private bool _connectionPromptShown;
+
+    internal bool DecideShowConnectionPrompt(bool isOffline)
+    {
+        if (!isOffline) return false;
+        if (_connectionPromptShown) return false;
+        _connectionPromptShown = true;
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    private async Task OpenWorkerConnectionHelpAsync()
+    {
+        var vm = new Modals.WorkerConnectionModalViewModel(_workerLocator, _installerLocator);
+        if (ShowWorkerConnectionModal is not null) await ShowWorkerConnectionModal(vm);
+    }
+
+    [RelayCommand]
+    private Task OpenWorkerConnectionHelp() => OpenWorkerConnectionHelpAsync();
+```
+
+Add the grace timer field near `_clearTimer` (line 74):
+```csharp
+    private readonly System.Timers.Timer _connectTimer = new(12_000) { AutoReset = false };
+```
+
+Wire and start it inside the **public** constructor (after the `_primeStatusTimer.Elapsed` wiring, near line 222 — NOT in the parameterless test constructor):
+```csharp
+        _connectTimer.Elapsed += (_, _) => Dispatcher.UIThread.Post(() =>
+        {
+            if (DecideShowConnectionPrompt(IsOffline)) _ = OpenWorkerConnectionHelpAsync();
+        });
+        _connectTimer.Start();
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests --filter ConnectionPromptGateTests`
+Expected: PASS (2 tests).
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Build the app**
+
+Run: `dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.App/ClaudeDo.App.csproj`
+Expected: Build succeeded.
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Ui/ViewModels/IslandsShellViewModel.cs tests/ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests/ConnectionPromptGateTests.cs
+git commit -m "feat(ui): prompt once on worker connection failure with grace timer"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 9: Wire the modal in MainWindow + clickable status pill
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/MainWindow.axaml.cs`
+- Modify: `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/MainWindow.axaml`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Wire the dialog hook**
+
+In `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/MainWindow.axaml.cs`, inside `OnDataContextChanged`, after the existing `vm.ShowRepoImportModal = ...` block (line 70), add:
+```csharp
+            vm.ShowWorkerConnectionModal = async (connVm) =>
+            {
+                var dlg = new WorkerConnectionModalView { DataContext = connVm };
+                connVm.CloseAction = () => dlg.Close();
+                await dlg.ShowDialog(this);
+            };
+```
+(`ClaudeDo.Ui.Views.Modals` is already imported at line 10.)
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Make the status pill a button**
+
+In `src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/MainWindow.axaml`, replace the left "connection pill" `StackPanel` (lines 190-202) with a `Button` wrapping the same content:
+```xml
+        <!-- Left: connection pill (click to open worker help) -->
+        <Button DockPanel.Dock="Left"
+                Command="{Binding OpenWorkerConnectionHelpCommand}"
+                Background="Transparent" BorderThickness="0" Padding="0"
+                Cursor="Hand" VerticalAlignment="Center">
+          <StackPanel Orientation="Horizontal" Spacing="7" VerticalAlignment="Center">
+            <Ellipse Width="7" Height="7" Fill="{DynamicResource StatusRunningBrush}"
+                     IsVisible="{Binding Worker.IsConnected}"/>
+            <Ellipse Width="7" Height="7" Fill="{DynamicResource StatusReviewBrush}"
+                     IsVisible="{Binding Worker.IsReconnecting}"/>
+            <Ellipse Width="7" Height="7" Fill="{DynamicResource StatusErrorBrush}"
+                     IsVisible="{Binding IsOffline}"/>
+            <TextBlock Classes="eyebrow"
+                       Text="{Binding ConnectionText, Converter={StaticResource UpperCase}}"
+                       LetterSpacing="1.4"
+                       VerticalAlignment="Center"/>
+          </StackPanel>
+        </Button>
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Build the app**
+
+Run: `dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.App/ClaudeDo.App.csproj`
+Expected: Build succeeded.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Manual verification**
+
+Start the worker (or leave it stopped) and run the App:
+- Worker stopped → after ~12s the "WORKER NOT REACHABLE" dialog appears once. **Start Worker** launches it (footer pill turns ONLINE); **Rerun Installer** launches the installer and exits; **Dismiss** closes and does not reappear automatically.
+- Click the footer status pill anytime → the dialog reopens.
+- Worker running before launch → no dialog appears.
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/MainWindow.axaml.cs src/ClaudeDo.Ui/Views/MainWindow.axaml
+git commit -m "feat(ui): wire worker connection modal and make status pill clickable"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Task 10: Full build + test sweep
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Build the touched projects**
+
+Run:
+```bash
+dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.App/ClaudeDo.App.csproj
+dotnet build src/ClaudeDo.Installer/ClaudeDo.Installer.csproj
+```
+Expected: both Build succeeded.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the affected test suites**
+
+Run:
+```bash
+dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Installer.Tests
+dotnet test tests/ClaudeDo.Ui.Tests
+```
+Expected: all pass; no references to the deleted `ScheduledTaskXml`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Final commit (if any stragglers)**
+
+```bash
+git add -A
+git commit -m "chore: worker lifecycle redesign cleanup" || echo "nothing to commit"
+```