diff --git a/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores.ts b/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores.ts
index 13bfa285..3bbd6819 100644
--- a/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores.ts
+++ b/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores.ts
@@ -9,10 +9,7 @@ import type { Writable } from 'svelte/store';
 import type { key_val } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 
 import { badges_sess_defaults } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__badges_defaults';
-import {
-    launcher_loc_defaults,
-    launcher_sess_defaults
-} from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher_defaults';
+import { launcher_sess_defaults } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher_defaults';
 import { leads_sess_defaults } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__leads_defaults';
 import { pres_mgmt_sess_defaults } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__pres_mgmt_defaults';
 
@@ -63,8 +60,7 @@ const events_local_data_struct: key_val = {
     },
 
     // Event Presentation Launcher — see ae_events_stores__launcher_defaults.ts
-    // badges, leads, pres_mgmt have been promoted to their own PersistedState stores.
-    launcher: launcher_loc_defaults
+    // badges, leads, pres_mgmt, launcher have all been promoted to their own PersistedState stores.
 };
 
 export const events_loc: Writable<key_val> = persisted(
diff --git a/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte.ts b/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3d788e17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+import { PersistedState } from 'runed';
+import { launcher_loc_defaults } from './ae_events_stores__launcher_defaults';
+
+export const launcher_loc = new PersistedState('ae_launcher_loc', launcher_loc_defaults, {
+    serializer: {
+        serialize: JSON.stringify,
+        deserialize: (raw: string) => ({ ...launcher_loc_defaults, ...JSON.parse(raw) })
+    }
+});
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/+layout.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/+layout.svelte
index 3995eea8..dd8980f4 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/+layout.svelte
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
  * Ensures background sync runs globally regardless of active tab.
  */
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import Launcher_Background_Sync from './launcher_background_sync.svelte';
 
 interface Props {
@@ -20,8 +20,8 @@ let { children }: Props = $props();
 // design (default / onsite / native) — browser sessions are unaffected because
 // is_native is only ever true inside the Electron shell.
 $effect(() => {
-    if ($ae_loc.is_native && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode !== 'native') {
-        $events_loc.launcher.app_mode = 'native';
+    if ($ae_loc.is_native && launcher_loc.current.app_mode !== 'native') {
+        launcher_loc.current.app_mode = 'native';
     }
 });
 </script>
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_app_modes.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_app_modes.svelte
index 09d81cc3..166b25e3 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_app_modes.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_app_modes.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import { Clock, GraduationCap, IdCard, LayoutGrid } from '@lucide/svelte';
 interface Props {
@@ -30,22 +31,22 @@ const ORAL_PRESET = {
 // Detect current mode: if both iframe AND hide_menu are on, we're in poster mode.
 // Individual overrides are still possible via the checkboxes below.
 let is_poster_mode = $derived(
-    $ae_loc.iframe === true && $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu === true
+    $ae_loc.iframe === true && launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu === true
 );
 
 function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
     const preset = mode === 'poster' ? POSTER_PRESET : ORAL_PRESET;
     $ae_loc.iframe = preset.iframe;
-    $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu = preset.hide__launcher_menu;
-    $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header = preset.hide__launcher_header;
-    $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_footer = preset.hide__launcher_footer;
+    launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu = preset.hide__launcher_menu;
+    launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header = preset.hide__launcher_header;
+    launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_footer = preset.hide__launcher_footer;
 
     // Push to WS-connected remote devices when we're acting as a controller.
     // Only send when connected so the UI button doesn't silently no-op.
     if (
-        $events_loc.launcher.ws_connect &&
-        ($events_loc.launcher.controller === 'local_push' ||
-            $events_loc.launcher.controller === 'remote')
+        launcher_loc.current.ws_connect &&
+        (launcher_loc.current.controller === 'local_push' ||
+            launcher_loc.current.controller === 'remote')
     ) {
         $events_sess.launcher.controller_cmd = `ae_mode:${mode}`;
         $events_sess.launcher.controller_trigger_send = 'trigger';
@@ -56,9 +57,9 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Display & App Modes"
     icon={LayoutGrid}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__app_modes}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__app_modes}
     {on_expand}
-    description="Mode: {$events_loc.launcher.app_mode} | UI Layout">
+    description="Mode: {launcher_loc.current.app_mode} | UI Layout">
     <!-- Content omitted for brevity, preserved in file -->
     <div class="col-span-full flex flex-col gap-3">
         <!-- 0. Oral / Poster Kiosk Mode Preset Toggle -->
@@ -88,7 +89,7 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                     Poster Kiosk
                 </button>
             </div>
-            {#if $events_loc.launcher.ws_connect && ($events_loc.launcher.controller === 'local_push' || $events_loc.launcher.controller === 'remote')}
+            {#if launcher_loc.current.ws_connect && (launcher_loc.current.controller === 'local_push' || launcher_loc.current.controller === 'remote')}
                 <p class="ml-1 text-[8px] italic opacity-40">
                     Applies to all connected WS devices
                 </p>
@@ -103,31 +104,31 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
             <div class="bg-surface-500/5 grid grid-cols-3 gap-1 rounded-lg p-1">
                 <button
                     type="button"
-                    onclick={() => ($events_loc.launcher.app_mode = 'default')}
+                    onclick={() => (launcher_loc.current.app_mode = 'default')}
                     class="btn btn-xs text-[9px] font-bold"
-                    class:preset-filled-primary={$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:preset-filled-primary={launcher_loc.current
                         .app_mode === 'default'}
-                    class:preset-tonal-surface={$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:preset-tonal-surface={launcher_loc.current
                         .app_mode !== 'default'}
                     title="Default standard web browser (Chromium, Firefox, Safari based) launcher, for remote presenters and testing before being onsite">
                     Web</button>
                 <button
                     type="button"
-                    onclick={() => ($events_loc.launcher.app_mode = 'native')}
+                    onclick={() => (launcher_loc.current.app_mode = 'native')}
                     class="btn btn-xs text-[9px] font-bold"
-                    class:preset-filled-primary={$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:preset-filled-primary={launcher_loc.current
                         .app_mode === 'native'}
-                    class:preset-tonal-surface={$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:preset-tonal-surface={launcher_loc.current
                         .app_mode !== 'native'}
                     title="Native Electron based app launcher, for onsite presenters in session rooms"
                     >App</button>
                 <button
                     type="button"
-                    onclick={() => ($events_loc.launcher.app_mode = 'onsite')}
+                    onclick={() => (launcher_loc.current.app_mode = 'onsite')}
                     class="btn btn-xs text-[9px] font-bold"
-                    class:preset-filled-primary={$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:preset-filled-primary={launcher_loc.current
                         .app_mode === 'onsite'}
-                    class:preset-tonal-surface={$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:preset-tonal-surface={launcher_loc.current
                         .app_mode !== 'onsite'}
                     title="Customized onsite OS and web browser (Chromium or Firefox based) launcher, for onsite presenters in for practice and onsite backup"
                     >Onsite</button>
@@ -145,7 +146,7 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                     <input
                         type="checkbox"
                         bind:checked={
-                            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header
+                            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header
                         }
                         class="checkbox checkbox-sm" />
                     <span class="group-hover:text-primary-500 text-xs"
@@ -154,7 +155,7 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                 <label class="group flex cursor-pointer items-center gap-2">
                     <input
                         type="checkbox"
-                        bind:checked={$events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu}
+                        bind:checked={launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu}
                         class="checkbox checkbox-sm" />
                     <span class="group-hover:text-primary-500 text-xs"
                         >Hide Menu</span>
@@ -163,7 +164,7 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                     <input
                         type="checkbox"
                         bind:checked={
-                            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_footer
+                            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_footer
                         }
                         class="checkbox checkbox-sm" />
                     <span class="group-hover:text-primary-500 text-xs"
@@ -173,7 +174,7 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                     <input
                         type="checkbox"
                         bind:checked={
-                            $events_loc.launcher.hide__session_datetimes
+                            launcher_loc.current.hide__session_datetimes
                         }
                         class="checkbox checkbox-sm" />
                     <span class="group-hover:text-primary-500 text-xs"
@@ -186,18 +187,18 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
         <button
             type="button"
             onclick={() => {
-                if ($events_loc.launcher.time_format == 'time_12_short') {
-                    $events_loc.launcher.time_format = 'time_short';
-                    $events_loc.launcher.time_hours = 24;
+                if (launcher_loc.current.time_format == 'time_12_short') {
+                    launcher_loc.current.time_format = 'time_short';
+                    launcher_loc.current.time_hours = 24;
                 } else {
-                    $events_loc.launcher.time_format = 'time_12_short';
-                    $events_loc.launcher.time_hours = 12;
+                    launcher_loc.current.time_format = 'time_12_short';
+                    launcher_loc.current.time_hours = 12;
                 }
             }}
             class="btn btn-xs preset-tonal-surface w-full text-[10px]">
             <Clock size="0.85em" class="mr-1 opacity-50" />
             Clock Format:
-            <strong>{$events_loc.launcher.time_hours}-hour</strong>
+            <strong>{launcher_loc.current.time_hours}-hour</strong>
         </button>
 
         <!-- 4. Advanced Toggles (Edit Mode Only) -->
@@ -211,7 +212,7 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                     <label class="group flex cursor-pointer items-center gap-2">
                         <input
                             type="checkbox"
-                            bind:checked={$events_loc.launcher.hide__ws_element}
+                            bind:checked={launcher_loc.current.hide__ws_element}
                             class="checkbox checkbox-sm" />
                         <span
                             class="group-hover:text-primary-500 text-xs italic"
@@ -221,7 +222,7 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                         <input
                             type="checkbox"
                             bind:checked={
-                                $events_loc.launcher.hide__modal_header_title
+                                launcher_loc.current.hide__modal_header_title
                             }
                             class="checkbox checkbox-sm" />
                         <span
@@ -243,13 +244,13 @@ function apply_mode(mode: 'poster' | 'oral') {
                 <label class="group flex cursor-pointer items-center gap-2 p-1">
                     <input
                         type="checkbox"
-                        bind:checked={$events_loc.launcher.native_test_mode}
+                        bind:checked={launcher_loc.current.native_test_mode}
                         class="checkbox checkbox-sm" />
                     <span class="group-hover:text-warning-500 text-xs italic">
                         Native Test Mode
                     </span>
                 </label>
-                {#if $events_loc.launcher.native_test_mode}
+                {#if launcher_loc.current.native_test_mode}
                     <p class="badge preset-tonal-warning ml-1 text-[8px] leading-tight italic">
                         ⚠ Active: Open buttons will simulate native launch and
                         show a debug popup instead of running commands.
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_controller.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_controller.svelte
index 1eb50f7c..ee36dbf0 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_controller.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_controller.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import {
     Gamepad2,
@@ -24,9 +25,9 @@ const ws_connected = $derived(
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Remote Controller"
     icon={Gamepad2}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__controller}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__controller}
     {on_expand}
-    description="Mode: {$events_loc.launcher?.controller} | WS: {ws_connected
+    description="Mode: {launcher_loc.current?.controller} | WS: {ws_connected
         ? 'Connected'
         : 'Offline'}">
     <!-- Content omitted for brevity, preserved in file -->
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ const ws_connected = $derived(
                 Controller Strategy
             </p>
             <select
-                bind:value={$events_loc.launcher.controller}
+                bind:value={launcher_loc.current.controller}
                 class="select select-sm preset-tonal-surface h-8 text-xs">
                 <option value="local">Local Only</option>
                 <option value="remote">Remotely WS Controlled</option>
@@ -68,18 +69,18 @@ const ws_connected = $derived(
             <button
                 type="button"
                 onclick={() => {
-                    if ($events_loc.launcher.ws_connect) {
+                    if (launcher_loc.current.ws_connect) {
                         $events_sess.launcher.trigger__ws_disconnect = true;
                     } else {
-                        $events_loc.launcher.ws_connect = true;
+                        launcher_loc.current.ws_connect = true;
                         $events_sess.launcher.trigger__ws_connect = true;
                     }
                     $events_sess.launcher.controller_unlock_group_code = false;
                 }}
                 class="btn btn-sm text-[10px] font-bold transition-all"
-                class:preset-tonal-error={$events_loc.launcher.ws_connect}
-                class:preset-tonal-success={!$events_loc.launcher.ws_connect}>
-                {#if $events_loc.launcher.ws_connect}
+                class:preset-tonal-error={launcher_loc.current.ws_connect}
+                class:preset-tonal-success={!launcher_loc.current.ws_connect}>
+                {#if launcher_loc.current.ws_connect}
                     <Unlink size="0.85em" class="mr-1" /> Disconnect
                 {:else}
                     <Link size="0.85em" class="mr-1" /> Connect Now
@@ -107,7 +108,7 @@ const ws_connected = $derived(
                 </p>
                 <div class="flex gap-1">
                     <input
-                        bind:value={$events_loc.launcher.controller_group_code}
+                        bind:value={launcher_loc.current.controller_group_code}
                         placeholder="Group Code"
                         class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 grow font-mono text-[10px]"
                         readonly={!$events_sess.launcher
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_health.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_health.svelte
index 5aeb4c40..809859da 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_health.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_health.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import { HeartPulse, RefreshCw } from '@lucide/svelte';
 interface Props {
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ function get_usage_color(pct: number) {
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="System & Sync Health"
     icon={HeartPulse}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__health}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__health}
     {on_expand}
     description="Heartbeat: {$events_sess.launcher.heartbeat_info
         .last_timestamp || 'Pending'}">
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_launch_timing.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_launch_timing.svelte
index 0b7d6f2d..32d1a48f 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_launch_timing.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_launch_timing.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_api, ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
-import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import {
     DEFAULT_LAUNCH_PROFILE_DEFS,
     resolve_launch_profile,
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ async function reset_profile_delay(profile_name: string) {
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Launch Timing"
     icon={Timer}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__launch_timing}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__launch_timing}
     {on_expand}
     description="Per-profile post-open delay overrides">
     {#if $ae_loc.edit_mode && !$ae_loc.is_native}
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_local_actions.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_local_actions.svelte
index 3a5b8a74..ae0dca2d 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_local_actions.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_local_actions.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc, ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { cleanup_tmp_files } from '$lib/electron/electron_relay';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import { Bug, BugOff, Eraser, Eye, EyeOff, Wrench } from '@lucide/svelte';
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ async function handle_cleanup_now() {
         cleanup_status = 'Error: Cache path not set.';
         return;
     }
-    const max_age_hours = $events_loc.launcher.cleanup_tmp_max_age_hours ?? 24;
+    const max_age_hours = launcher_loc.current.cleanup_tmp_max_age_hours ?? 24;
     cleanup_status = 'Cleaning...';
     const result = await cleanup_tmp_files({
         cache_root,
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ function handle_reset_action(val: string) {
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Local Reset & Actions"
     icon={Wrench}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__local_actions}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__local_actions}
     {on_expand}
     description="Cache wiping and global menu toggles">
     <div class="col-span-full flex flex-col gap-3">
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ function handle_reset_action(val: string) {
                         min="1"
                         max="168"
                         bind:value={
-                            $events_loc.launcher.cleanup_tmp_max_age_hours
+                            launcher_loc.current.cleanup_tmp_max_age_hours
                         }
                         class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 w-16 text-center text-xs"
                         placeholder="24" />
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_native_os.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_native_os.svelte
index 1f032ac4..b0b85e07 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_native_os.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_native_os.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc, ae_api, ae_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import * as native from '$lib/electron/electron_relay';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import {
@@ -98,7 +99,7 @@ let show_power_confirm = $state<{ action: string; label: string } | null>(null);
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Native OS Management"
     icon={Code}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__native_os}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__native_os}
     {on_expand}
     description="OS: {$ae_loc.native_device?.meta_json?.platform ||
         '...'} | Kiosk & Apps">
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_screen_saver.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_screen_saver.svelte
index 64552df9..9609099f 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_screen_saver.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_screen_saver.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import { IdCard } from '@lucide/svelte';
 interface Props {
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Poster Screen Saver"
     icon={IdCard}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__screen_saver}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__screen_saver}
     {on_expand}
-    description="Idle: {($events_loc.launcher.idle_timer / 60000).toFixed(
+    description="Idle: {(launcher_loc.current.idle_timer / 60000).toFixed(
         1
     )}m | Auto-Posters">
     <!-- Content omitted for brevity, preserved in file -->
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                         <input
                             type="number"
                             min={3000}
-                            bind:value={$events_loc.launcher.idle_timer}
+                            bind:value={launcher_loc.current.idle_timer}
                             class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 w-24 text-right text-[10px]" />
                     </div>
                     <div class="flex items-center justify-between gap-4">
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                         <input
                             type="number"
                             min={500}
-                            bind:value={$events_loc.launcher.idle_cycle}
+                            bind:value={launcher_loc.current.idle_cycle}
                             class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 w-24 text-right text-[10px]" />
                     </div>
                     <div class="flex items-center justify-between gap-4">
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                         <input
                             type="number"
                             min={750}
-                            bind:value={$events_loc.launcher.idle_loop_period}
+                            bind:value={launcher_loc.current.idle_loop_period}
                             class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 w-24 text-right text-[10px]" />
                     </div>
                 </div>
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                 <div class="flex items-center justify-between text-xs">
                     <span class="opacity-60">Active Idle Timeout:</span>
                     <span class="text-primary-500 font-bold"
-                        >{($events_loc.launcher.idle_timer / 60000).toFixed(1)} minutes</span>
+                        >{(launcher_loc.current.idle_timer / 60000).toFixed(1)} minutes</span>
                 </div>
                 <p class="text-[9px] italic opacity-40">
                     The screen saver automatically rotates digital posters when
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_sync_timers.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_sync_timers.svelte
index c7e9e694..2cf74bfe 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_sync_timers.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_sync_timers.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import { CloudDownload, Pause, Play, RefreshCw } from '@lucide/svelte';
 interface Props {
@@ -12,7 +13,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Sync Engine & Timers"
     icon={RefreshCw}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__sync_timers}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__sync_timers}
     {on_expand}
     description="Prefix: {$ae_loc.native_device?.hash_prefix_length ||
         2} | Loops: Active">
@@ -21,19 +22,19 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
     <div
         class="border-surface-500/10 bg-surface-500/5 mb-2 flex items-center justify-between rounded border p-2">
         <span class="text-[10px] font-bold tracking-wider uppercase opacity-70">
-            {$events_loc.launcher.sync_paused
+            {launcher_loc.current.sync_paused
                 ? '⏸ Sync Paused'
                 : '▶ Sync Active'}
         </span>
         <button
             type="button"
             onclick={() =>
-                ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused =
-                    !$events_loc.launcher.sync_paused)}
+                (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused =
+                    !launcher_loc.current.sync_paused)}
             class="btn btn-xs transition-all"
-            class:preset-tonal-warning={$events_loc.launcher.sync_paused}
-            class:preset-tonal-success={!$events_loc.launcher.sync_paused}>
-            {#if $events_loc.launcher.sync_paused}
+            class:preset-tonal-warning={launcher_loc.current.sync_paused}
+            class:preset-tonal-success={!launcher_loc.current.sync_paused}>
+            {#if launcher_loc.current.sync_paused}
                 <Play size="0.85em" class="mr-1" /> Resume
             {:else}
                 <Pause size="0.85em" class="mr-1" /> Pause
@@ -51,7 +52,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
         Force Sync Location
     </button>
 
-    {#if $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals}
+    {#if launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals}
         <div class="grid grid-cols-1 gap-3">
             <!-- Technical Timers (Edit Mode Only) -->
             {#if $ae_loc.edit_mode}
@@ -66,7 +67,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                             <input
                                 type="number"
                                 bind:value={
-                                    $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals.event
+                                    launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals.event
                                 }
                                 class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 text-[10px]" />
                         </div>
@@ -76,7 +77,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                             <input
                                 type="number"
                                 bind:value={
-                                    $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals.device
+                                    launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals.device
                                 }
                                 class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 text-[10px]" />
                         </div>
@@ -86,7 +87,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                             <input
                                 type="number"
                                 bind:value={
-                                    $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals.location
+                                    launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals.location
                                 }
                                 class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 text-[10px]" />
                         </div>
@@ -96,7 +97,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                             <input
                                 type="number"
                                 bind:value={
-                                    $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals.session
+                                    launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals.session
                                 }
                                 class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 text-[10px]" />
                         </div>
@@ -106,7 +107,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                             <input
                                 type="number"
                                 bind:value={
-                                    $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals
+                                    launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals
                                         .presentation
                                 }
                                 class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 text-[10px]" />
@@ -117,7 +118,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                             <input
                                 type="number"
                                 bind:value={
-                                    $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals
+                                    launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals
                                         .presenter
                                 }
                                 class="input input-sm preset-tonal-surface h-7 text-[10px]" />
@@ -161,7 +162,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                         <span>Event Sync:</span>
                         <span
                             >{(
-                                $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals.event / 1000
+                                launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals.event / 1000
                             ).toFixed(1)}s</span>
                     </div>
                     <div
@@ -169,7 +170,7 @@ let { on_expand }: Props = $props();
                         <span>Room Monitor:</span>
                         <span
                             >{(
-                                $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals.location /
+                                launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals.location /
                                 1000
                             ).toFixed(1)}s</span>
                     </div>
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_template.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_template.svelte
index 91e23fd2..381eadd8 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_template.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_template.svelte
@@ -5,7 +5,8 @@
  * for the Launcher Configuration overhaul.
  */
 import { ae_loc, ae_api, ae_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import {
     TriangleAlert,
@@ -48,7 +49,7 @@ let show_confirm = $state(false);
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Template Section"
     icon={Boxes}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__template}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__template}
     {on_expand}
     description="Kitchen Sink Scaffold | Demo Only">
     <!-- A. TOP STATUS BAR (Optional) -->
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_updates.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_updates.svelte
index d3d1c2a6..306a8883 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_updates.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_updates.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_loc, ae_api, ae_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import * as native from '$lib/electron/electron_relay';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import { CloudDownload, LoaderCircle, Search, Wand2 } from '@lucide/svelte';
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ async function handle_install() {
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Application Updates"
     icon={CloudDownload}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__updates}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__updates}
     {on_expand}
     description="v1.0.0 | Source: {update_source}">
     <!-- Content omitted for brevity, preserved in file -->
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_wallpaper.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_wallpaper.svelte
index c3201aff..775bffc5 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_wallpaper.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/cfg_components/launcher_cfg_wallpaper.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 import { ae_api, ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
-import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import * as native from '$lib/electron/electron_relay';
 import Launcher_Cfg_Section from './launcher_cfg_section.svelte';
 import { FlaskConical, Image, RotateCcw, Save, Zap } from '@lucide/svelte';
@@ -150,8 +150,8 @@ async function handle_apply(): Promise<{ success: boolean; linux_test?: boolean
         linux_test_popup_open = true;
         return { success: true, linux_test: true };
     } else if (result?.success) {
-        $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url = url || null;
-        $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url_external = url_ext || null;
+        launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url = url || null;
+        launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url_external = url_ext || null;
         return { success: true };
     }
     return { success: false };
@@ -181,8 +181,8 @@ async function handle_restore_default() {
     const result = await native.restore_macos_default_wallpaper('all');
     if (result?.success) {
         // Clear tracked applied URL so the next config URL re-applies correctly.
-        $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url = null;
-        $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url_external = null;
+        launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url = null;
+        launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url_external = null;
         set_status('Restored ✓');
     } else {
         set_status(`Restore failed: ${(result as { error?: string })?.error ?? 'Unknown'}`);
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ async function handle_restore_default() {
 const configured_url = $derived(get_configured_wallpaper().url ?? '');
 const is_applied = $derived(
     !!url_input.trim() &&
-    $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url === url_input.trim()
+    launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url === url_input.trim()
 );
 const section_description = $derived(
     configured_url
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ const section_description = $derived(
 <Launcher_Cfg_Section
     title="Wallpaper"
     icon={Image}
-    bind:state={$events_loc.launcher.section_state__wallpaper}
+    bind:state={launcher_loc.current.section_state__wallpaper}
     {on_expand}
     description={section_description}>
 
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/+layout.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/+layout.svelte
index 65b94948..be8eaa1f 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/+layout.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/+layout.svelte
@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ import {
     events_trigger,
     events_trig
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 
 import Launcher_cfg from '../launcher_cfg.svelte';
@@ -82,63 +83,37 @@ $ae_sess.disable_sys_nav = true;
 $ae_sess.disable_sys_header = true;
 $ae_sess.disable_sys_footer = true;
 
-if (!$events_loc?.launcher) {
-    $events_loc.launcher = {
-        app_mode: 'default',
-        controller: 'local',
-        controller_group_code: 'launcher-00',
-        ws_connect: false,
-        hide_drawer__cfg: true,
-        hide_drawer__debug: true
-    };
-}
-// WHY: The initialization block above only runs when launcher is completely absent.
-// If the user has an older persisted config (from before the Modal migration),
-// hide_drawer__cfg may be missing → undefined → !undefined = true → modal opens
-// on every load. Explicitly initialize it here to ensure it is always a boolean.
-if ($events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg === undefined) {
-    $events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg = true;
-}
+// WHY: launcher_loc is a PersistedState store — always initialized with defaults.
+// No need for initialization guards; all fields have default values in launcher_loc_defaults.
 
-let modal_cfg_open = $state(!$events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg);
+let modal_cfg_open = $state(!launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__cfg);
 
 // Sync store → modal: biohazard button writes hide_drawer__cfg = false to open.
-// Equality guard prevents spurious writes from unrelated $events_loc updates
-// (Svelte 4 whole-store subscription fires on every field write to the store).
 $effect(() => {
-    const should_open = !$events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg;
+    const should_open = !launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__cfg;
     if (modal_cfg_open !== should_open) {
         modal_cfg_open = should_open;
     }
 });
 
-// Sync modal → store: use events_loc.update() directly rather than $-syntax so
-// the write always reaches the persisted store's serialization. $-syntax writes
-// inside $effect contexts may be suppressed and not trigger localStorage persistence.
+// Sync modal → store: direct assignment to PersistedState triggers localStorage persistence.
 $effect(() => {
-    const should_hide = !modal_cfg_open;
-    events_loc.update((loc) => {
-        if (loc.launcher) loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg = should_hide;
-        return loc;
-    });
+    launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__cfg = !modal_cfg_open;
 });
 
 // Called by backdrop click. Writes to store immediately (don't rely on effect timing).
 function close_cfg() {
     modal_cfg_open = false;
-    events_loc.update((loc) => {
-        if (loc.launcher) loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg = true;
-        return loc;
-    });
+    launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__cfg = true;
 }
 
 // Generate a stable per-device client ID on first load and persist it.
-// events_loc is backed by svelte-persisted-store (localStorage) so this
-// survives page reloads. Without this, client_id falls back to Date.now()
-// inside element_websocket — a new ID on every reload, which breaks
-// direct-target WS messages and doesn't match V3 Vision ID expectations.
-if (!$events_loc.launcher.controller_client_id) {
-    $events_loc.launcher.controller_client_id = crypto.randomUUID();
+// launcher_loc is a PersistedState store (localStorage) so this survives
+// page reloads. Without this, client_id falls back to Date.now() inside
+// element_websocket — a new ID on every reload, which breaks direct-target
+// WS messages and doesn't match V3 Vision ID expectations.
+if (!launcher_loc.current.controller_client_id) {
+    launcher_loc.current.controller_client_id = crypto.randomUUID();
 }
 
 // Unified Selection Sync (Refactored 2026-02-11)
@@ -198,19 +173,19 @@ $effect(() => {
         else if (param_iframe === 'false') $ae_loc.iframe = false;
 
         if (param_launcher_menu === 'hide')
-            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu = true;
+            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu = true;
         else if (param_launcher_menu === 'show')
-            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu = false;
+            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu = false;
 
         if (param_launcher_header === 'hide')
-            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header = true;
+            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header = true;
         else if (param_launcher_header === 'show')
-            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header = false;
+            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header = false;
 
         if (param_launcher_footer === 'hide')
-            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_footer = true;
+            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_footer = true;
         else if (param_launcher_footer === 'show')
-            $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_footer = false;
+            launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_footer = false;
     });
 
     // Strip launcher display params from the URL after applying them — same pattern
@@ -422,7 +397,7 @@ function handle_ws_recv(ws_recv_status: any) {
     // V3 schema uses msg_type instead of type
     if (ws_recv_status.msg_type == 'cmd' && ws_recv_status.cmd) {
         let cmd = ws_recv_status.cmd;
-        if ($events_loc.launcher.controller != 'remote') return;
+        if (launcher_loc.current.controller != 'remote') return;
 
         if (cmd.startsWith('ae_load:')) {
             let cmd_parts = cmd.split(':');
@@ -508,14 +483,14 @@ function handle_ws_recv(ws_recv_status: any) {
             const mode_target = cmd.split(':')[1];
             if (mode_target === 'poster') {
                 $ae_loc.iframe = true;
-                $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu = true;
-                $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header = true;
-                $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_footer = true;
+                launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu = true;
+                launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header = true;
+                launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_footer = true;
             } else if (mode_target === 'oral') {
                 $ae_loc.iframe = false;
-                $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu = false;
-                $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header = false;
-                $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_footer = false;
+                launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu = false;
+                launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header = false;
+                launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_footer = false;
             }
         }
     }
@@ -547,16 +522,16 @@ $effect(() => {
     }
 });
 
-if (!$events_loc.launcher.idle_timer)
-    $events_loc.launcher.idle_timer = 5 * 60 * 1000;
-if (!$events_loc.launcher.idle_cycle)
-    $events_loc.launcher.idle_cycle = 5 * 1000;
-if (!$events_loc.launcher.idle_loop_period)
-    $events_loc.launcher.idle_loop_period = 3 * 60 * 1000;
+if (!launcher_loc.current.idle_timer)
+    launcher_loc.current.idle_timer = 5 * 60 * 1000;
+if (!launcher_loc.current.idle_cycle)
+    launcher_loc.current.idle_cycle = 5 * 1000;
+if (!launcher_loc.current.idle_loop_period)
+    launcher_loc.current.idle_loop_period = 3 * 60 * 1000;
 
 listen({
-    timer: $events_loc.launcher.idle_timer,
-    cycle: $events_loc.launcher.idle_cycle
+    timer: launcher_loc.current.idle_timer,
+    cycle: launcher_loc.current.idle_cycle
 });
 
 let idle_timer_interval: any = $state();
@@ -575,13 +550,13 @@ function handle_idle_client() {
 
         idle_timer_interval = setInterval(
             () => {
-                if ($events_loc.launcher.screen_saver_img_kv) {
+                if (launcher_loc.current.screen_saver_img_kv) {
                     const keys = Object.keys(
-                        $events_loc.launcher.screen_saver_img_kv
+                        launcher_loc.current.screen_saver_img_kv
                     );
                     const rand_index = Math.floor(Math.random() * keys.length);
                     let event_file_obj =
-                        $events_loc.launcher.screen_saver_img_kv[
+                        launcher_loc.current.screen_saver_img_kv[
                             keys[rand_index]
                         ];
 
@@ -598,7 +573,7 @@ function handle_idle_client() {
                 }
                 return false;
             },
-            $events_loc.launcher.idle_loop_period ?? 2 * 60 * 1000
+            launcher_loc.current.idle_loop_period ?? 2 * 60 * 1000
         );
     } else {
         saver_looping = false;
@@ -636,8 +611,8 @@ $effect(() => {
 </svelte:head>
 
 <div
-    class:mt-12={!$events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header}
-    class:mt-2={$events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header}
+    class:mt-12={!launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header}
+    class:mt-2={launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header}
     class="
         static
         m-auto
@@ -651,7 +626,7 @@ $effect(() => {
         ">
     <header
         id="Main-Header"
-        class:hidden={$events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_header}
+        class:hidden={launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_header}
         class="
         absolute
         top-0 right-0 left-0 z-20
@@ -674,8 +649,8 @@ $effect(() => {
                 type="button"
                 class="hover:bg-surface-500/10 rounded px-2 py-1 transition-colors"
                 onclick={() => {
-                    $events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu =
-                        !$events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu;
+                    launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu =
+                        !launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu;
                 }}
                 title="Toggle Launcher menu">
                 <Satellite class="mx-1 inline-block text-base text-gray-500" />
@@ -739,7 +714,7 @@ $effect(() => {
 
         md:min-w-64 lg:min-w-72 dark:border-gray-700
         "
-            class:hidden={$events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_menu}>
+            class:hidden={launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_menu}>
             <Launcher_menu
                 {lq__event_obj}
                 {lq__event_event_file_obj_li}
@@ -808,7 +783,7 @@ $effect(() => {
 
 <footer
     id="Main-Footer"
-    class:hidden={$events_loc.launcher.hide__launcher_footer}
+    class:hidden={launcher_loc.current.hide__launcher_footer}
     class="
         absolute
         right-0 bottom-0 left-0 z-20
@@ -868,7 +843,7 @@ $effect(() => {
     </span>
 
     <span
-        class:hidden={!$events_loc.launcher.ws_connect}
+        class:hidden={!launcher_loc.current.ws_connect}
         class:preset-tonal-warning={$events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status !=
             'connected'}
         class:preset-tonal-success={$events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status ==
@@ -918,7 +893,7 @@ $effect(() => {
         <span class="hidden sm:inline">
             <Clock size="1em" />
         </span>
-        {#if $events_loc.launcher?.time_hours == 12}
+        {#if launcher_loc.current?.time_hours == 12}
             {ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($time, 'time_12_long')}
         {:else}
             {ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($time, 'time_long')}
@@ -929,7 +904,7 @@ $effect(() => {
 <div class="absolute top-0 left-0 z-20 text-center">
     <button
         type="button"
-        onclick={() => ($events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg = false)}
+        onclick={() => (launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__cfg = false)}
         class="btn btn-sm preset-tonal-error hover:preset-filled-error-500 p-3 transition-colors duration-300"
         class:opacity-25={!$ae_loc.trusted_access}
         class:hover:opacity-75={!$ae_loc.trusted_access}>
@@ -998,7 +973,7 @@ $effect(() => {
             easing: sineIn
         }
     }}
-    bind:hidden={$events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__debug}
+    bind:hidden={launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__debug}
     id="sidebar2">
     <div class="flex flex-row items-center justify-between">
         <h2
@@ -1007,7 +982,7 @@ $effect(() => {
         </h2>
         <button
             type="button"
-            onclick={() => ($events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__debug = true)}
+            onclick={() => (launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__debug = true)}
             class="mb-4 dark:text-white">
             <X size="1em" />
             <span class="hidden">Close Debug Drawer</span>
@@ -1016,7 +991,7 @@ $effect(() => {
 
     <div>
         <pre class="text-xs">
-        {JSON.stringify($events_loc.launcher, null, 2)}
+        {JSON.stringify(launcher_loc.current, null, 2)}
     </pre>
         <hr />
         <pre class="text-xs">
@@ -1035,15 +1010,15 @@ $effect(() => {
         rounded-lg border-gray-200 bg-gray-500/90 text-gray-800
         shadow-md
         dark:divide-gray-700 dark:border-gray-700 dark:bg-gray-800/90 dark:text-gray-200
-        {$events_loc.launcher.controller == 'remote' ? 'min-h-full' : ''}
+        {launcher_loc.current.controller == 'remote' ? 'min-h-full' : ''}
         min-w-full
         "
     bodyClass="p-0 space-y-0 overflow-auto flex flex-col gap-1 items-center justify-center pb-14"
-    headerClass={`fixed top-0 right-0 left-0 p-1 md:p-2 flex flex-row items-center ${$events_loc.launcher.controller == 'remote' ? 'hidden' : ''} bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 opacity-50 ${$events_loc.launcher.hide__modal_header_title ? 'justify-center' : 'justify-between'}`}
+    headerClass={`fixed top-0 right-0 left-0 p-1 md:p-2 flex flex-row items-center ${launcher_loc.current.controller == 'remote' ? 'hidden' : ''} bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 opacity-50 ${launcher_loc.current.hide__modal_header_title ? 'justify-center' : 'justify-between'}`}
     footerClass="text-center hidden">
     {#snippet header()}
         <h3
-            class:hidden={$events_loc.launcher.hide__modal_header_title}
+            class:hidden={launcher_loc.current.hide__modal_header_title}
             class="text-lg font-semibold opacity-20 transition-all hover:opacity-100">
             {$events_sess.launcher?.modal__title ?? 'Digital Poster Display'}
         </h3>
@@ -1084,7 +1059,7 @@ $effect(() => {
                     modal_zoom_fit = !modal_zoom_fit;
                     // Sync zoom state to the remote display when acting as controller.
                     if (
-                        $events_loc.launcher.controller == 'local_push' &&
+                        launcher_loc.current.controller == 'local_push' &&
                         $events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status == 'connected'
                     ) {
                         $events_sess.launcher.controller_cmd = `ae_zoom:${modal_zoom_fit ? 'fit' : 'zoom'}`;
@@ -1117,7 +1092,7 @@ $effect(() => {
             bg-black/30
             p-1.5 backdrop-blur-sm
             "
-        class:hidden={$events_loc.launcher.controller == 'remote'}>
+        class:hidden={launcher_loc.current.controller == 'remote'}>
         <!-- Zoom / Fit toggle: accessibility accommodation — lets operators and general
              public zoom in to read details, pinch on mobile, or double-tap the image. -->
         <button
@@ -1126,7 +1101,7 @@ $effect(() => {
                 modal_zoom_fit = !modal_zoom_fit;
                 // Sync zoom state to the remote display when acting as controller.
                 if (
-                    $events_loc.launcher.controller == 'local_push' &&
+                    launcher_loc.current.controller == 'local_push' &&
                     $events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status == 'connected'
                 ) {
                     $events_sess.launcher.controller_cmd = `ae_zoom:${modal_zoom_fit ? 'fit' : 'zoom'}`;
@@ -1158,7 +1133,7 @@ $effect(() => {
                 $events_sess.launcher.modal__event_file_obj = null;
             }}
             class="btn btn-sm preset-tonal-error opacity-80 transition-all hover:opacity-100"
-            class:hidden={$events_loc.launcher.controller != 'local_push' ||
+            class:hidden={launcher_loc.current.controller != 'local_push' ||
                 $events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status != 'connected'}
             title="Close poster on this device and on the remote display (screensaver resumes)">
             <Monitor size="1em" class="mr-1" />
@@ -1177,7 +1152,7 @@ $effect(() => {
             }}
             class="btn btn-sm preset-tonal-surface border-surface-400/50 border opacity-80 transition-all hover:opacity-100"
             class:hidden={!$ae_loc.trusted_access &&
-                ($events_loc.launcher.controller != 'local_push' ||
+                (launcher_loc.current.controller != 'local_push' ||
                     $events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status != 'connected')}
             title="Close poster on this device only — remote display keeps showing">
             <List size="1em" class="mr-1" />
@@ -1186,24 +1161,24 @@ $effect(() => {
     </div>
 </Modal>
 
-{#if $events_loc.launcher.controller_group_code && $events_loc.launcher.ws_connect}
+{#if launcher_loc.current.controller_group_code && launcher_loc.current.ws_connect}
     <Element_websocket
         {log_lvl}
-        bind:ws_connect={$events_loc.launcher.ws_connect}
+        bind:ws_connect={launcher_loc.current.ws_connect}
         bind:ws_connect_status={$events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status}
         ws_server={$ae_api.fqdn}
         api_key={$ae_api.api_secret_key}
         jwt={$ae_loc.jwt}
-        bind:group_id={$events_loc.launcher.controller_group_code}
-        bind:client_id={$events_loc.launcher.controller_client_id}
+        bind:group_id={launcher_loc.current.controller_group_code}
+        bind:client_id={launcher_loc.current.controller_client_id}
         bind:cmd={$events_sess.launcher.controller_cmd}
         bind:trigger_send={$events_sess.launcher.controller_trigger_send}
         bind:trigger_connect={$events_sess.launcher.trigger__ws_connect}
         bind:trigger_disconnect={$events_sess.launcher.trigger__ws_disconnect}
-        bind:hide__ws_element={$events_loc.launcher.hide__ws_element}
-        bind:hide__ws_form={$events_loc.launcher.hide__ws_form}
-        bind:hide__ws_messages={$events_loc.launcher.hide__ws_messages}
-        bind:hide__ws_commands={$events_loc.launcher.hide__ws_commands}
+        bind:hide__ws_element={launcher_loc.current.hide__ws_element}
+        bind:hide__ws_form={launcher_loc.current.hide__ws_form}
+        bind:hide__ws_messages={launcher_loc.current.hide__ws_messages}
+        bind:hide__ws_commands={launcher_loc.current.hide__ws_commands}
         bind:ws_conn_status={trigger_handle_ws_conn}
         bind:ws_recv_status={trigger_handle_ws_recv}
         bind:ws_sent_status={trigger_handle_ws_sent} />
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/[event_location_id]/+page.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/[event_location_id]/+page.svelte
index 70033469..ba051d9e 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/[event_location_id]/+page.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher/[event_location_id]/+page.svelte
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ let log_lvl: number = $state(0);
 import { untrack } from 'svelte';
 import { ae_loc, ae_sess, ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
@@ -47,23 +46,9 @@ $effect(() => {
     }
 });
 
-// Set localStorage defaults for launcher state
-if (!$events_loc.launcher) {
-    $events_loc.launcher = {};
-    $events_loc.launcher.slct = { event_id: null };
-    $events_loc.launcher.show_content__session_code = true;
-    $events_loc.launcher.show_content__presentation_code = true;
-    $events_loc.launcher.show_content__presenter_code = true;
-}
-if (!$events_loc.launcher.slct) {
-    $events_loc.launcher.slct = {
-        event_id: null,
-        event_location_id: null,
-        event_session_id: null,
-        event_presentation_id: null,
-        event_presenter_id: null
-    };
-}
+// WHY: launcher_loc is a PersistedState store — always initialized with defaults from
+// launcher_loc_defaults. No initialization guards needed; all fields (slct, show_content__*)
+// are already set to their default values on first load.
 
 // Set session storage defaults
 if (!$events_sess.launcher) $events_sess.launcher = {};
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_background_sync.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_background_sync.svelte
index b81621d6..7394a8b8 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_background_sync.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_background_sync.svelte
@@ -7,10 +7,10 @@ import { ChevronDown, ChevronUp, Cpu, RefreshCw } from '@lucide/svelte';
 import { onMount, onDestroy } from 'svelte';
 import { ae_loc, ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_slct,
     events_sess
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 import { ae_util } from '$lib/ae_utils/ae_utils';
 import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
@@ -50,8 +50,8 @@ async function apply_wallpaper_if_changed(device_other_json: unknown) {
 
     const configured_url = wallpaper.url ?? '';
     const configured_url_external = wallpaper.url_external ?? '';
-    const applied_url = $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url ?? '';
-    const applied_url_external = $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url_external ?? '';
+    const applied_url = launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url ?? '';
+    const applied_url_external = launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url_external ?? '';
 
     const url_changed = configured_url && configured_url !== applied_url;
     const ext_changed = configured_url_external !== applied_url_external;
@@ -76,8 +76,8 @@ async function apply_wallpaper_if_changed(device_other_json: unknown) {
         // the cfg component popup can show the details when triggered manually.
         console.info('Sync: Wallpaper linux_test_mode — would have applied:', (result as any).would_run);
     } else if (result?.success) {
-        $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url = configured_url || null;
-        $events_loc.launcher.wallpaper_applied_url_external = configured_url_external || null;
+        launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url = configured_url || null;
+        launcher_loc.current.wallpaper_applied_url_external = configured_url_external || null;
         if (log_lvl) console.log('Sync: Wallpaper applied.');
     } else {
         console.warn('Sync: Wallpaper apply failed.', (result as any)?.error);
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ onMount(async () => {
     }
 
     const dev = $ae_loc.native_device || {};
-    const cfg = $events_loc.launcher.sync_intervals || {};
+    const cfg = launcher_loc.current.sync_intervals || {};
 
     // Load timings from persistent config, with fallbacks to device config or defaults.
     // Fallback values here must match the loop_info $state defaults above — keep in sync.
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ onMount(async () => {
     const cache_root = $ae_loc.local_file_cache_path;
     if ($ae_loc.is_native && cache_root) {
         const max_age_hours =
-            $events_loc.launcher.cleanup_tmp_max_age_hours ?? 24;
+            launcher_loc.current.cleanup_tmp_max_age_hours ?? 24;
         cleanup_tmp_files({
             cache_root,
             max_age_minutes: max_age_hours * 60
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ $effect(() => {
  * API Refresh: Event
  */
 async function refresh_event_data() {
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) return;
+    if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) return;
     if (!$events_slct.event_id) return;
     try {
         await events_func.load_ae_obj_id__event({
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ async function refresh_event_data() {
  * API Refresh: Sessions in Room
  */
 async function refresh_session_data() {
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) return;
+    if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) return;
     const location_id = $events_slct.event_location_id;
     if (!location_id) return;
     try {
@@ -328,7 +328,7 @@ async function refresh_session_data() {
  * API Refresh: Presentations for Selected Session
  */
 async function refresh_presentation_data() {
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) return;
+    if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) return;
     const session_id = $events_slct.event_session_id;
     if (!session_id) return;
     try {
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ async function refresh_presentation_data() {
  * API Refresh: Presenters for Selected Session
  */
 async function refresh_presenter_data() {
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) return;
+    if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) return;
     const session_id = $events_slct.event_session_id;
     if (!session_id) return;
     try {
@@ -370,7 +370,7 @@ async function refresh_presenter_data() {
 }
 
 async function run_sync_cycle() {
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) return;
+    if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) return;
     const location_id = $events_slct.event_location_id;
     const cache_root = $ae_loc.local_file_cache_path;
     const prefix_len = $ae_loc.native_device?.hash_prefix_length || 2;
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ async function run_sync_cycle() {
             // Re-check pause flag each iteration — a sync cycle can run for many
             // seconds if there are missing files, so we must honour a pause request
             // mid-loop rather than waiting for the entire batch to finish.
-            if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) break;
+            if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) break;
 
             if (!file_obj.hash_sha256) continue;
             if (sync_results[file_obj.event_file_id] === 'success') {
@@ -602,7 +602,7 @@ async function run_device_heartbeat() {
  * Ensures we have latest room settings.
  */
 async function refresh_location_config() {
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) return;
+    if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) return;
     const location_id = $events_slct.event_location_id;
     if (!location_id) return;
 
@@ -631,7 +631,7 @@ async function refresh_location_config() {
  * handled separately via inc_file_li=true in refresh_presenter_data (120s timer).
  */
 async function refresh_current_session_files() {
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.sync_paused) return;
+    if (launcher_loc.current.sync_paused) return;
     const session_id = $events_slct.event_session_id;
     if (!session_id) return;
     try {
@@ -688,7 +688,7 @@ async function force_location_sync() {
 <!-- Monitor Overlay: only shown in Native/App mode.
      Positioned bottom-left at bottom-20 to clear the debug π button (bottom-8 left-2)
      and the sys bar (bottom-12 right-2). Panel grows upward from the status chip. -->
-{#if $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native' || $ae_loc.is_native}
+{#if launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native' || $ae_loc.is_native}
     <div
         class="pointer-events-none fixed bottom-15 left-2 z-10 flex flex-col items-start gap-2">
         {#if show_monitor}
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_cfg.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_cfg.svelte
index c32ecf6f..924dfc19 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_cfg.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_cfg.svelte
@@ -16,12 +16,12 @@ import {
     time
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct,
     events_trigger,
     events_trig
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 
 // Sub-components
 import Launcher_Cfg_Native_OS from './cfg_components/launcher_cfg_native_os.svelte';
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ const TABS = [
  * Pinned sections are ignored and remain open.
  */
 function handle_section_expand(current_key: string) {
-    const launcher = $events_loc.launcher;
+    const launcher = launcher_loc.current;
     Object.keys(launcher).forEach((key) => {
         if (
             key.startsWith('section_state__') &&
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ function handle_section_expand(current_key: string) {
             }
         }
     });
-    $events_loc.launcher = launcher; // Trigger store update
+    launcher_loc.current = launcher; // Trigger store update
 }
 
 const current_tab_info = $derived(TABS.find((t) => t.id === active_tab));
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ const current_tab_info = $derived(TABS.find((t) => t.id === active_tab));
 
             <button
                 type="button"
-                onclick={() => ($events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__cfg = true)}
+                onclick={() => (launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__cfg = true)}
                 class="btn btn-sm preset-tonal-surface hover:preset-filled-surface-500 justify-start gap-3 px-3 py-2 text-[10px] transition-all">
                 <X size="1em" />
                 <span>Close Settings</span>
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ const current_tab_info = $derived(TABS.find((t) => t.id === active_tab));
                                 <button
                                     type="button"
                                     onclick={() =>
-                                        ($events_loc.launcher.hide_drawer__debug = false)}
+                                        (launcher_loc.current.hide_drawer__debug = false)}
                                     class="btn btn-sm preset-tonal-warning hover:preset-filled-warning-500 w-full transition-all">
                                     <Bug size="1.2em" class="mr-2" />
                                     Open Debug Panel
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte
index 39a4278f..0a3f7741 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte
@@ -58,10 +58,10 @@ import { api } from '$lib/api/api';
 import { ae_loc, ae_api, ae_sess, slct } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import { core_func } from '$lib/ae_core/ae_core_functions';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 import {
     AlertCircle,
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ let open_in_os_loading: boolean = $state(false);
 
 /** Reactive display override for this file — stored in $events_loc (localStorage) not in the backend. */
 const current_display_override = $derived.by(() => {
-    const overrides = (($events_loc.launcher as Record<string, unknown>)?.file_display_overrides ?? {}) as Record<string, string>;
+    const overrides = ((launcher_loc.current as Record<string, unknown>)?.file_display_overrides ?? {}) as Record<string, string>;
     return (overrides[event_file_id] ?? null) as 'extend' | 'mirror' | 'none' | null;
 });
 
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ let screen_saver_exts = ['jpg', 'png', 'PNG', 'webp'];
  * Resolves the LaunchProfile for a given file extension and optional per-file
  * display override. Checked in priority order:
  *   1. event_device.data_json.launch_profiles[profile] (API-driven, per-device)
- *   2. $events_loc.launcher.launch_profiles[profile]    (local persistent override)
+ *   2. launcher_loc.current.launch_profiles[profile]    (local persistent override)
  *   3. DEFAULT_LAUNCH_PROFILES[profile/alias]           (Svelte built-in defaults)
  *   4. DEFAULT_LAUNCH_PROFILES['default']               (catch-all)
  * Per-file display_override from event_file.cfg_json overrides display_mode only.
@@ -142,10 +142,10 @@ function get_launch_profile(
         native_device?.other_json?.launcher?.launch_profiles ??
         native_device?.launch_profiles ??
         null;
-    const local_profiles = ($events_loc as any).launcher?.launch_profiles ?? null;
+    const local_profiles = launcher_loc.current?.launch_profiles ?? null;
     // Display override is stored per-device in $events_loc — not in the backend (event_file has no JSON column).
     // This is intentional: display mode is a room/device preference, not a global file property.
-    const launcher_kv = $events_loc.launcher as Record<string, unknown>;
+    const launcher_kv = launcher_loc.current as Record<string, unknown>;
     const file_display_overrides = (launcher_kv?.file_display_overrides ?? {}) as Record<string, string>;
     const display_override = (file_display_overrides[event_file_id] ?? null) as 'extend' | 'mirror' | 'none' | null;
 
@@ -172,9 +172,9 @@ function get_launch_profile(
 
 onMount(() => {
     if (screen_saver_exts.includes(event_file_obj.extension)) {
-        if (!$events_loc.launcher.screen_saver_img_kv)
-            $events_loc.launcher.screen_saver_img_kv = {};
-        $events_loc.launcher.screen_saver_img_kv[event_file_id] = {
+        if (!launcher_loc.current.screen_saver_img_kv)
+            launcher_loc.current.screen_saver_img_kv = {};
+        launcher_loc.current.screen_saver_img_kv[event_file_id] = {
             ...event_file_obj
         };
     }
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
         const url = event_file_obj.filename as string;
 
         // Test mode: show debug popup instead of opening
-        if ($events_loc.launcher.native_test_mode && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native') {
+        if (launcher_loc.current.native_test_mode && launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native') {
             open_file_clicked = true;
             open_file_status = 'opening_file';
             const profile = get_launch_profile('url', event_file_obj);
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
 
         open_file_status_message = `Opening ${event_file_obj.title || 'URL'}...`;
 
-        if ($ae_loc.is_native && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native') {
+        if ($ae_loc.is_native && launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native') {
             // Native: open in Chrome for kiosk-style presentation; fall back to default browser
             const result = await native.open_external({ url, app: 'chrome' });
             if (!result?.success) {
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
     // 0. NATIVE TEST MODE — simulate full native flow, show debug popup instead of running commands
     // Active when native_test_mode toggle is on (regardless of is_native / app_mode).
     // Lets you preview the resolved profile, open command, and post-script from any device.
-    if ($events_loc.launcher.native_test_mode && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native') {
+    if (launcher_loc.current.native_test_mode && launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native') {
         open_file_clicked = true;
         open_file_status = 'checking_cache';
         open_file_status_message = 'Test Mode: simulating cache check...';
@@ -305,7 +305,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
     }
 
     // 1. NATIVE MODE (Electron)
-    if ($ae_loc.is_native && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native') {
+    if ($ae_loc.is_native && launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native') {
         const cache_root = $ae_loc.local_file_cache_path;
         const temp_root = $ae_loc.host_file_temp_path;
 
@@ -475,7 +475,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
         return true;
     }
     // 2. ONSITE MODE (Browser with Modified Extensions)
-    else if ($events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'onsite') {
+    else if (launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'onsite') {
         open_file_clicked = true;
         open_file_status = 'downloading_onsite';
         open_file_status_message = 'Downloading (Onsite Mode)...';
@@ -525,7 +525,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
             log_lvl: 1
         });
 
-        if ($events_loc.launcher.controller == 'local_push') {
+        if (launcher_loc.current.controller == 'local_push') {
             $events_sess.launcher.controller_cmd = `ae_download:hosted_file=${event_file_obj.hosted_file_id}:${event_file_obj.filename}:${event_file_obj.extension}`;
             $events_sess.launcher.controller_trigger_send = true;
         }
@@ -561,7 +561,7 @@ function prevent_default<T extends Event>(fn: (event: T) => void) {
                     >*** {open_file_status_message ||
                         'Please wait while this file downloads...'} ***</strong>
             </div>
-            {#if $ae_loc.is_native && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native'}
+            {#if $ae_loc.is_native && launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native'}
                 {#if open_file_status === 'error'}
                     <p class="text-red-400">Failed to open file.</p>
                     {#if open_file_error_detail}
@@ -597,7 +597,7 @@ function prevent_default<T extends Event>(fn: (event: T) => void) {
                     $events_slct.event_file_obj = event_file_obj;
                     // Push the open command to the remote display when in local_push mode
                     if (
-                        $events_loc.launcher.controller == 'local_push' &&
+                        launcher_loc.current.controller == 'local_push' &&
                         $events_sess.launcher.ws_connect_status == 'connected'
                     ) {
                         $events_sess.launcher.controller_cmd = `ae_open:event_file=${event_file_id}`;
@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@ function prevent_default<T extends Event>(fn: (event: T) => void) {
                 hosted_file_id={event_file_id}
                 hosted_file_obj={event_file_obj}
                 require_auth={false}
-                track_click_promise={!($ae_loc.is_native && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native')}
+                track_click_promise={!($ae_loc.is_native && launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native')}
                 classes="btn {btn_size} gap-1 justify-between min-w-full w-full max-w-96 preset-tonal-primary border border-primary-500"
                 click={handle_open_file}>
                 {#snippet label()}
@@ -749,7 +749,7 @@ function prevent_default<T extends Event>(fn: (event: T) => void) {
                 onclick={() => {
                     const cur = current_display_override;
                     const next: 'extend' | 'mirror' | null = !cur ? 'extend' : cur === 'extend' ? 'mirror' : null;
-                    const launcher = $events_loc.launcher as Record<string, unknown>;
+                    const launcher = launcher_loc.current as Record<string, unknown>;
                     const new_overrides = { ...((launcher?.file_display_overrides ?? {}) as Record<string, string>) };
                     if (next === null) {
                         delete new_overrides[event_file_id];
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_menu.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_menu.svelte
index 1fac0c39..7a3c4128 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_menu.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_menu.svelte
@@ -109,11 +109,11 @@ import {
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 // import { db_events } from "$lib/ae_events/db_events";
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct,
     events_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 
 import Event_launcher_file_cont from './launcher_file_cont.svelte';
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({
                     hide_created_on={true}
                     hide_os={true}
                     hide_size={true}
-                    show_internal_purpose_files={$events_loc.launcher.show_content__internal_files}
+                    show_internal_purpose_files={launcher_loc.current.show_content__internal_files}
                     show_bak_download={$ae_loc.trusted_access &&
                         $ae_loc.edit_mode}
                     btn_size={'btn-sm'}
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({
                     hide_created_on={true}
                     hide_os={true}
                     hide_size={true}
-                    show_internal_purpose_files={$events_loc.launcher.show_content__internal_files}
+                    show_internal_purpose_files={launcher_loc.current.show_content__internal_files}
                     show_bak_download={$ae_loc.trusted_access &&
                         $ae_loc.edit_mode}
                     btn_size={'btn-sm'}
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presentation_view.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presentation_view.svelte
index 97693676..34babb48 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presentation_view.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presentation_view.svelte
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ let { lq__event_presentation_obj, session_type = '' }: Props = $props();
 import { liveQuery } from 'dexie';
 import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
 import { ae_loc, ae_api } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 import Event_launcher_file_cont from './launcher_file_cont.svelte';
 
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ let lq__event_file_obj_li = $derived(
             {#each $lq__event_file_obj_li as event_file_obj (event_file_obj.event_file_id)}
                 <li
                     class="flex flex-col flex-wrap items-center justify-start gap-1 md:flex-row"
-                    class:hidden={!$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:hidden={!launcher_loc.current
                         .show_content__hidden_files && event_file_obj.hide}>
                     <Event_launcher_file_cont
                         event_file_id={event_file_obj.event_file_id}
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ let lq__event_file_obj_li = $derived(
                         hide_created_on={false}
                         hide_meta={session_type == 'poster'}
                         bind:show_internal_purpose_files={
-                            $events_loc.launcher.show_content__internal_files
+                            launcher_loc.current.show_content__internal_files
                         }
                         show_bak_download={$ae_loc.trusted_access}
                         session_type={session_type || 'oral'}
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view.svelte
index 9226d0cc..5f47e765 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view.svelte
@@ -24,11 +24,11 @@ import {
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct,
     events_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 // import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 
 import Event_launcher_file_cont from './launcher_file_cont.svelte';
@@ -90,14 +90,14 @@ let lq__event_file_obj_li = $derived(
             {#each $lq__event_file_obj_li as event_file_obj, index (event_file_obj.event_file_id)}
                 <li
                     class="flex flex-col flex-wrap items-center justify-start gap-1 md:flex-row"
-                    class:hidden={!$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:hidden={!launcher_loc.current
                         .show_content__hidden_files && event_file_obj.hide}>
                     <Event_launcher_file_cont
                         event_file_id={event_file_obj.event_file_id}
                         {event_file_obj}
                         hide_created_on={false}
                         bind:show_internal_purpose_files={
-                            $events_loc.launcher.show_content__internal_files
+                            launcher_loc.current.show_content__internal_files
                         }
                         show_bak_download={$ae_loc.trusted_access}
                         session_type={session_type || 'oral'}
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view_posters.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view_posters.svelte
index c274270d..cdb2a02e 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view_posters.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_presenter_view_posters.svelte
@@ -24,11 +24,11 @@ import {
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct,
     events_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 // import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 
 import Event_launcher_file_cont from './launcher_file_cont.svelte';
@@ -84,14 +84,14 @@ let lq__event_file_obj_li = $derived(
             {#each $lq__event_file_obj_li as event_file_obj, index (event_file_obj.event_file_id)}
                 <li
                     class="wrap gap flex flex-col items-center justify-center md:flex-row"
-                    class:hidden={!$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:hidden={!launcher_loc.current
                         .show_content__hidden_files && event_file_obj.hide}>
                     <Event_launcher_file_cont
                         event_file_id={event_file_obj.event_file_id}
                         {event_file_obj}
                         hide_created_on={false}
                         hide_meta={true}
-                        show_internal_purpose_files={$events_loc.launcher.show_content__internal_files}
+                        show_internal_purpose_files={launcher_loc.current.show_content__internal_files}
                         show_bak_download={$ae_loc.trusted_access}
                         session_type="poster"
                         open_method="modal"
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view.svelte
index 9dbe0c55..c33ce0da 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view.svelte
@@ -33,11 +33,11 @@ import {
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct,
     events_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 import {
     TriangleAlert,
@@ -198,23 +198,23 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({});
                 class="event_session_about flex flex-col items-stretch gap-0.5 border-b-2 border-gray-400 dark:border-gray-600">
                 <h3
                     class:hidden={!$lq__event_session_obj?.start_datetime ||
-                        $events_loc.launcher.hide__session_datetimes}
+                        launcher_loc.current.hide__session_datetimes}
                     class="event_session_datetimes text-center text-sm">
                     <button
                         type="button"
                         onclick={() => {
                             if (
-                                $events_loc.launcher.time_format ==
+                                launcher_loc.current.time_format ==
                                 'time_12_short'
                             ) {
-                                // $events_loc.launcher.datetime_format = 'datetime_long';
-                                $events_loc.launcher.time_format = 'time_short';
-                                $events_loc.launcher.time_hours = 24;
+                                // launcher_loc.current.datetime_format = 'datetime_long';
+                                launcher_loc.current.time_format = 'time_short';
+                                launcher_loc.current.time_hours = 24;
                             } else {
-                                $events_loc.launcher.time_format =
+                                launcher_loc.current.time_format =
                                     'time_12_short';
-                                // $events_loc.launcher.datetime_format = 'datetime_12_long';
-                                $events_loc.launcher.time_hours = 12;
+                                // launcher_loc.current.datetime_format = 'datetime_12_long';
+                                launcher_loc.current.time_hours = 12;
                             }
                         }}>
                         <strong
@@ -231,13 +231,13 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({});
                         <strong
                             >{ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter(
                                 $lq__event_session_obj.start_datetime,
-                                $events_loc.launcher.time_format
+                                launcher_loc.current.time_format
                             )}</strong>
                         <span class="font-normal">
                             –
                             {ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter(
                                 $lq__event_session_obj.end_datetime,
-                                $events_loc.launcher.time_format
+                                launcher_loc.current.time_format
                             )}
                         </span>
                     </button>
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({});
                     <!-- grow + line-clamp-2 = stable 2-line max; title provides full text for screen readers + hover -->
                     <h2
                         class="line-clamp-2 min-w-0 grow text-xl"
-                        title={`Name: ${$lq__event_session_obj.name}\nType: ${$lq__event_session_obj.type_code} \nCode: ${$lq__event_session_obj.code} \nID: ${$lq__event_session_obj.event_session_id} \nStart Date/Time: ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($lq__event_session_obj.start_datetime, 'week_long')} ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($lq__event_session_obj.start_datetime, $events_loc.launcher.time_format)} \nEnd Date/Time: ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($lq__event_session_obj.end_datetime, $events_loc.launcher.time_format)}`}>
+                        title={`Name: ${$lq__event_session_obj.name}\nType: ${$lq__event_session_obj.type_code} \nCode: ${$lq__event_session_obj.code} \nID: ${$lq__event_session_obj.event_session_id} \nStart Date/Time: ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($lq__event_session_obj.start_datetime, 'week_long')} ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($lq__event_session_obj.start_datetime, launcher_loc.current.time_format)} \nEnd Date/Time: ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter($lq__event_session_obj.end_datetime, launcher_loc.current.time_format)}`}>
                         {$lq__event_session_obj?.name}
                     </h2>
                     {#if $lq__event_session_obj?.code}
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({});
                                 </span>
                             </strong>
                         </div>
-                        <!-- {#if $ae_loc.trusted_access || $events_loc.launcher.trusted_access}
+                        <!-- {#if $ae_loc.trusted_access || launcher_loc.current.trusted_access}
             <button type="button"
                 type="button" class="ae_btn btn_outline_warning btn_xs" title="Upload updated or additional files"
                 >
@@ -304,14 +304,14 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({});
                         {#each $lq__event_file_obj_li as event_file_obj (event_file_obj.event_file_id)}
                             <li
                                 class="flex flex-row flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1"
-                                class:hidden={!$events_loc.launcher
+                                class:hidden={!launcher_loc.current
                                     .show_content__hidden_files &&
                                     event_file_obj.hide}>
                                 <Event_launcher_file_cont
                                     event_file_id={event_file_obj.event_file_id}
                                     {event_file_obj}
                                     hide_created_on={true}
-                                    show_internal_purpose_files={$events_loc.launcher
+                                    show_internal_purpose_files={launcher_loc.current
                                         .show_content__internal_files}
                                     show_bak_download={$ae_loc.trusted_access &&
                                         $ae_loc.edit_mode}
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ let ae_promises: key_val = $state({});
                                             .modal__event_file_obj
                                     } />
 
-                                <!-- <Launcher_file_cont {event_file_obj} hide_created_on={false} show_bak_download={($ae_loc.trusted_access || $events_loc.launcher.trusted_access)} open_file_as={$lq__event_session_obj.type_code} poster_title={$lq__event_session_obj.title} /> -->
+                                <!-- <Launcher_file_cont {event_file_obj} hide_created_on={false} show_bak_download={($ae_loc.trusted_access || launcher_loc.current.trusted_access)} open_file_as={$lq__event_session_obj.type_code} poster_title={$lq__event_session_obj.title} /> -->
 
                                 <!-- <a
                     href="{$ae_api.base_url}/event/file/{event_file_obj.event_file_id}/download?filename={event_file_obj.filename}&key={$ae_api.account_id}"
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view_posters.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view_posters.svelte
index 317ebd6e..de174b70 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view_posters.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_session_view_posters.svelte
@@ -25,7 +25,8 @@ let {
 import { liveQuery } from 'dexie';
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import { db_events } from '$lib/ae_events/db_events';
-import { events_loc, events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { events_sess } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 
 import Event_launcher_file_cont from './launcher_file_cont.svelte';
 import { Image, Images, LoaderCircle, User, Users } from '@lucide/svelte';
@@ -142,14 +143,14 @@ let poster_count = $derived($lq__event_presentation_obj_li?.length ?? 0);
                 <ul class="flex flex-row flex-wrap gap-2">
                     {#each $lq__event_file_obj_li as event_file_obj (event_file_obj.event_file_id)}
                         <li
-                            class:hidden={!$events_loc.launcher
+                            class:hidden={!launcher_loc.current
                                 .show_content__hidden_files &&
                                 event_file_obj.hide}>
                             <Event_launcher_file_cont
                                 event_file_id={event_file_obj.event_file_id}
                                 {event_file_obj}
                                 hide_created_on={true}
-                                show_internal_purpose_files={$events_loc.launcher
+                                show_internal_purpose_files={launcher_loc.current
                                     .show_content__internal_files}
                                 show_bak_download={$ae_loc.trusted_access &&
                                     $ae_loc.edit_mode}
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_launcher_controls.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_launcher_controls.svelte
index 7d872be0..82dd6586 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_launcher_controls.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_launcher_controls.svelte
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 import { Moon, Sun, Eye, EyeOff, Columns2, Copy, XCircle, Trash, Recycle } from '@lucide/svelte';
 
 import { ae_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
-import { events_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import * as native from '$lib/electron/electron_relay';
 
 interface Props {
@@ -37,11 +37,11 @@ let { log_lvl = $bindable(0) }: Props = $props();
 
 // Persist display mode across reloads — reflects the last-set state, not hardware-queried state.
 let quick_display_mode = $state<'extend' | 'mirror'>(
-    ($events_loc.launcher as any)?.display_mode ?? 'extend'
+    (launcher_loc.current as any)?.display_mode ?? 'extend'
 );
 
 const is_native_launcher_mode = $derived(
-    !!$ae_loc.is_native && $events_loc.launcher.app_mode === 'native'
+    !!$ae_loc.is_native && launcher_loc.current.app_mode === 'native'
 );
 
 async function toggle_display_mode() {
@@ -50,11 +50,11 @@ async function toggle_display_mode() {
         const res = await native.set_display_layout({ mode: next });
         if (res?.success) {
             quick_display_mode = next;
-            ($events_loc.launcher as any).display_mode = next;
+            (launcher_loc.current as any).display_mode = next;
         }
     } else {
         quick_display_mode = next;
-        ($events_loc.launcher as any).display_mode = next;
+        (launcher_loc.current as any).display_mode = next;
     }
 }
 
@@ -112,25 +112,25 @@ function handle_reload_launcher() {
         <button
             type="button"
             onclick={() => {
-                if ($events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_files) {
-                    $events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_files = false;
-                    $events_loc.launcher.show_content__internal_files = false;
+                if (launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_files) {
+                    launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_files = false;
+                    launcher_loc.current.show_content__internal_files = false;
                 } else {
-                    $events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_files = true;
-                    $events_loc.launcher.show_content__internal_files = true;
+                    launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_files = true;
+                    launcher_loc.current.show_content__internal_files = true;
                 }
             }}
             class="btn btn-sm min-w-34 w-34 max-w-1/2 text-xs transition-all"
-            class:preset-tonal-warning={$events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_files}
-            class:hover:preset-filled-warning-500={$events_loc.launcher
+            class:preset-tonal-warning={launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_files}
+            class:hover:preset-filled-warning-500={launcher_loc.current
                 .show_content__hidden_files}
-            class:preset-tonal-tertiary={!$events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_files}
-            class:hover:preset-filled-tertiary-500={!$events_loc.launcher
+            class:preset-tonal-tertiary={!launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_files}
+            class:hover:preset-filled-tertiary-500={!launcher_loc.current
                 .show_content__hidden_files}
-            title={$events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_files
+            title={launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_files
                 ? 'Showing all files including hidden and draft. Tap to hide them again.'
                 : 'Showing only public files. Tap to show all files including hidden and draft.'}>
-            {#if $events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_files}
+            {#if launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_files}
                 <EyeOff size="0.85em" class="m-1" />
                 Hide Files
             {:else}
@@ -143,20 +143,20 @@ function handle_reload_launcher() {
         <button
             type="button"
             onclick={() => {
-                $events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_sessions =
-                    !$events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_sessions;
+                launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_sessions =
+                    !launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_sessions;
             }}
             class="btn btn-sm min-w-34 w-34 max-w-1/2 text-xs transition-all"
-            class:preset-tonal-warning={$events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_sessions}
-            class:hover:preset-filled-warning-500={$events_loc.launcher
+            class:preset-tonal-warning={launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_sessions}
+            class:hover:preset-filled-warning-500={launcher_loc.current
                 .show_content__hidden_sessions}
-            class:preset-tonal-tertiary={!$events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_sessions}
-            class:hover:preset-filled-tertiary-500={!$events_loc.launcher
+            class:preset-tonal-tertiary={!launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_sessions}
+            class:hover:preset-filled-tertiary-500={!launcher_loc.current
                 .show_content__hidden_sessions}
-            title={$events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_sessions
+            title={launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_sessions
                 ? 'Showing all sessions including cancelled and hidden. Tap to hide them again.'
                 : 'Showing only active sessions. Tap to show all sessions including hidden and cancelled.'}>
-            {#if $events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_sessions}
+            {#if launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_sessions}
                 <EyeOff size="0.85em" class="shrink-0" />
                 Hide Sessions
             {:else}
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_location_list.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_location_list.svelte
index e08efb80..bdce277b 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_location_list.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_location_list.svelte
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
  * DATA FLOW:
  *   lq__event_location_obj_li (Dexie liveQuery, passed from launcher_menu.svelte)
  *   → rendered as <select> options
- *   → onchange writes to $events_slct.event_location_id and $events_loc.launcher.slct
+ *   → onchange writes to $events_slct.event_location_id and launcher_loc.current.slct
  *   → calls handle_load_ae_obj_li__event_session() to fetch sessions for the new room
  *   → navigates to /launcher/{location_id} via goto()
  *
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ import {
     slct_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct,
     events_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import { events_func } from '$lib/ae_events/ae_events_functions';
 import { Check, LoaderCircle } from '@lucide/svelte';
 // export let slct_event_session_id: any;
@@ -110,10 +110,10 @@ function handle_load_ae_obj_li__event_session(event_location_id: string) {
             inc_all_file_li: false, // Also include files under presentations and presenters as well?
             inc_presentation_li: true,
             inc_presenter_li: true,
-            enabled: $events_loc.launcher.show_content__enabled_sessions
+            enabled: launcher_loc.current.show_content__enabled_sessions
                 ? 'all'
                 : 'enabled',
-            hidden: $events_loc.launcher.show_content__hidden_sessions
+            hidden: launcher_loc.current.show_content__hidden_sessions
                 ? 'all'
                 : 'not_hidden',
             limit: 49,
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ function handle_load_ae_obj_li__event_session(event_location_id: string) {
                 if (slct_event_location_id) {
                     loading__session_li_status = 'loading';
 
-                    $events_loc.launcher.slct.event_location_id =
+                    launcher_loc.current.slct.event_location_id =
                         slct_event_location_id;
                     $events_slct.event_location_id = slct_event_location_id;
 
@@ -211,9 +211,9 @@ function handle_load_ae_obj_li__event_session(event_location_id: string) {
                     // This will hide the selected session if the location is changed to false.
                     // WARNING: This may need to be commented out later.
                     // slct_event_session_id = null;
-                    $events_loc.launcher.slct.event_location_id = null;
+                    launcher_loc.current.slct.event_location_id = null;
                     $events_slct.event_location_id = null;
-                    $events_loc.launcher.slct.event_session_id = null;
+                    launcher_loc.current.slct.event_session_id = null;
                     $events_slct.event_session_id = null;
 
                     loading__session_li_status = 'finished';
diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_session_list.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_session_list.svelte
index 7af226d0..46327732 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_session_list.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/menu_session_list.svelte
@@ -84,11 +84,11 @@ import {
     slct_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_stores';
 import {
-    events_loc,
     events_sess,
     events_slct,
     events_trigger
 } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores';
+import { launcher_loc } from '$lib/stores/ae_events_stores__launcher.svelte';
 import {
     CalendarCheck,
     CalendarDays,
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ $effect(() => {
             }
 
             // 3. Remote Control Sync
-            if ($events_loc.launcher.controller == 'local_push') {
+            if (launcher_loc.current.controller == 'local_push') {
                 $events_sess.launcher.controller_cmd = `ae_load:event_session=${event_session_id}`;
                 $events_sess.launcher.controller_trigger_send = true;
             }
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ $effect(() => {
                 "
                     class:session-active={slct__event_session_id ===
                         event_session_obj?.id}
-                    class:hidden={!$events_loc.launcher
+                    class:hidden={!launcher_loc.current
                         .show_content__hidden_sessions &&
                         (event_session_obj?.hide ||
                             event_session_obj?.hide_event_launcher)}>
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ $effect(() => {
                         class:preset-tonal-secondary={slct__event_session_id != event_session_obj?.id}
                         class:preset-outlined-secondary-200-800={slct__event_session_id != event_session_obj?.id}
                         class:opacity-40={event_session_obj?.hide || event_session_obj?.hide_event_launcher}
-                        title={`Session: ${event_session_obj?.name}\nID: ${event_session_obj?.id} | ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter(event_session_obj?.start_datetime, $events_loc.launcher.time_format)}`}>
+                        title={`Session: ${event_session_obj?.name}\nID: ${event_session_obj?.id} | ${ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter(event_session_obj?.start_datetime, launcher_loc.current.time_format)}`}>
                         <!-- Session row layout: [date column | session name]
                              Date column is fixed-width (shrink-0) so name column always
                              gets consistent space regardless of date string length.
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ $effect(() => {
                             <span class="text-xs">
                                 {ae_util.iso_datetime_formatter(
                                     event_session_obj?.start_datetime,
-                                    $events_loc.launcher.time_format
+                                    launcher_loc.current.time_format
                                 )}
                             </span>
                         </span>