diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 751f46d..dc064c9 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -74,9 +74,13 @@
 
 ### Restart procedure
 
-1. Stop the running Python process: `powershell -Command "Get-Process -Name python -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Stop-Process -Force"`
-2. Start the server: `powershell -Command "Set-Location 'c:\Users\Alexei\Documents\wled-screen-controller\server'; python -m wled_controller.main"` (run in background)
-3. Wait 3 seconds and check startup logs to confirm it's running
+Use the PowerShell restart script — it reliably stops only the server process and starts a new detached instance:
+
+```bash
+powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "c:\Users\Alexei\Documents\wled-screen-controller\server\restart.ps1"
+```
+
+**Do NOT use** `Stop-Process -Name python` (kills unrelated Python processes like VS Code extensions) or bash background `&` jobs (get killed when the shell session ends).
 
 ## Project Structure
 
diff --git a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/__init__.py b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/__init__.py
index db811d8..0831567 100644
--- a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/__init__.py
+++ b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/__init__.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ PLATFORMS: list[Platform] = [
     Platform.SWITCH,
     Platform.SENSOR,
     Platform.NUMBER,
+    Platform.LIGHT,
 ]
 
 
diff --git a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/coordinator.py b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/coordinator.py
index 881ae20..32a37f2 100644
--- a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/coordinator.py
+++ b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/coordinator.py
@@ -246,6 +246,23 @@ class WLEDScreenControllerCoordinator(DataUpdateCoordinator):
                 resp.raise_for_status()
         await self.async_request_refresh()
 
+    async def set_color(self, device_id: str, color: list[int] | None) -> None:
+        """Set or clear the static color for a device."""
+        async with self.session.put(
+            f"{self.server_url}/api/v1/devices/{device_id}/color",
+            headers={**self._auth_headers, "Content-Type": "application/json"},
+            json={"color": color},
+            timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=DEFAULT_TIMEOUT),
+        ) as resp:
+            if resp.status != 200:
+                body = await resp.text()
+                _LOGGER.error(
+                    "Failed to set color for device %s: %s %s",
+                    device_id, resp.status, body,
+                )
+                resp.raise_for_status()
+        await self.async_request_refresh()
+
     async def set_kc_brightness(self, target_id: str, brightness: int) -> None:
         """Set brightness for a Key Colors target (0-255 mapped to 0.0-1.0)."""
         brightness_float = round(brightness / 255, 4)
diff --git a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/light.py b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/light.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..10bdb53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/light.py
@@ -0,0 +1,151 @@
+"""Light platform for LED Screen Controller (static color + brightness)."""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import logging
+from typing import Any
+
+from homeassistant.components.light import (
+    ATTR_BRIGHTNESS,
+    ATTR_RGB_COLOR,
+    ColorMode,
+    LightEntity,
+)
+from homeassistant.config_entries import ConfigEntry
+from homeassistant.core import HomeAssistant
+from homeassistant.helpers.entity_platform import AddEntitiesCallback
+from homeassistant.helpers.update_coordinator import CoordinatorEntity
+
+from .const import DOMAIN, DATA_COORDINATOR, TARGET_TYPE_KEY_COLORS
+from .coordinator import WLEDScreenControllerCoordinator
+
+_LOGGER = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+async def async_setup_entry(
+    hass: HomeAssistant,
+    entry: ConfigEntry,
+    async_add_entities: AddEntitiesCallback,
+) -> None:
+    """Set up LED Screen Controller light entities."""
+    data = hass.data[DOMAIN][entry.entry_id]
+    coordinator: WLEDScreenControllerCoordinator = data[DATA_COORDINATOR]
+
+    entities = []
+    if coordinator.data and "targets" in coordinator.data:
+        devices = coordinator.data.get("devices") or {}
+
+        for target_id, target_data in coordinator.data["targets"].items():
+            info = target_data["info"]
+
+            # Only LED targets (skip KC targets)
+            if info.get("target_type") == TARGET_TYPE_KEY_COLORS:
+                continue
+
+            device_id = info.get("device_id", "")
+            if not device_id:
+                continue
+
+            device_data = devices.get(device_id)
+            if not device_data:
+                continue
+
+            capabilities = device_data.get("info", {}).get("capabilities") or []
+
+            # Light entity requires BOTH brightness_control AND static_color
+            if "brightness_control" in capabilities and "static_color" in capabilities:
+                entities.append(
+                    WLEDScreenControllerLight(
+                        coordinator, target_id, device_id, entry.entry_id,
+                    )
+                )
+
+    async_add_entities(entities)
+
+
+class WLEDScreenControllerLight(CoordinatorEntity, LightEntity):
+    """Light entity for an LED device with brightness and static color."""
+
+    _attr_has_entity_name = True
+    _attr_color_mode = ColorMode.RGB
+    _attr_supported_color_modes = {ColorMode.RGB}
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        coordinator: WLEDScreenControllerCoordinator,
+        target_id: str,
+        device_id: str,
+        entry_id: str,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Initialize the light entity."""
+        super().__init__(coordinator)
+        self._target_id = target_id
+        self._device_id = device_id
+        self._entry_id = entry_id
+        self._attr_unique_id = f"{target_id}_light"
+        self._attr_translation_key = "light"
+
+    @property
+    def device_info(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Return device information."""
+        return {"identifiers": {(DOMAIN, self._target_id)}}
+
+    @property
+    def is_on(self) -> bool | None:
+        """Return True if static_color is set (not null)."""
+        device_data = self._get_device_data()
+        if not device_data:
+            return None
+        static_color = device_data.get("info", {}).get("static_color")
+        return static_color is not None
+
+    @property
+    def brightness(self) -> int | None:
+        """Return the brightness (0-255)."""
+        device_data = self._get_device_data()
+        if not device_data:
+            return None
+        return device_data.get("brightness")
+
+    @property
+    def rgb_color(self) -> tuple[int, int, int] | None:
+        """Return the RGB color tuple."""
+        device_data = self._get_device_data()
+        if not device_data:
+            return None
+        static_color = device_data.get("info", {}).get("static_color")
+        if static_color is not None and len(static_color) == 3:
+            return tuple(static_color)
+        return None
+
+    @property
+    def available(self) -> bool:
+        """Return if entity is available."""
+        if not self.coordinator.data:
+            return False
+        targets = self.coordinator.data.get("targets", {})
+        devices = self.coordinator.data.get("devices", {})
+        return self._target_id in targets and self._device_id in devices
+
+    async def async_turn_on(self, **kwargs: Any) -> None:
+        """Turn the light on (set static color and/or brightness)."""
+        if ATTR_BRIGHTNESS in kwargs:
+            await self.coordinator.set_brightness(
+                self._device_id, int(kwargs[ATTR_BRIGHTNESS])
+            )
+
+        if ATTR_RGB_COLOR in kwargs:
+            r, g, b = kwargs[ATTR_RGB_COLOR]
+            await self.coordinator.set_color(self._device_id, [r, g, b])
+        elif not self.is_on:
+            # Turning on without specifying color: default to white
+            await self.coordinator.set_color(self._device_id, [255, 255, 255])
+
+    async def async_turn_off(self, **kwargs: Any) -> None:
+        """Turn the light off (clear static color)."""
+        await self.coordinator.set_color(self._device_id, None)
+
+    def _get_device_data(self) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+        """Get device data from coordinator."""
+        if not self.coordinator.data:
+            return None
+        return self.coordinator.data.get("devices", {}).get(self._device_id)
diff --git a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/number.py b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/number.py
index f7b7602..90b403a 100644
--- a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/number.py
+++ b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/number.py
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ async def async_setup_entry(
                 continue
 
             capabilities = device_data.get("info", {}).get("capabilities") or []
-            if "brightness_control" not in capabilities:
+            if "brightness_control" not in capabilities or "static_color" in capabilities:
                 continue
 
             entities.append(
diff --git a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/strings.json b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/strings.json
index 59d0a22..7f8d0c6 100644
--- a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/strings.json
+++ b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/strings.json
@@ -50,6 +50,11 @@
       "brightness": {
         "name": "Brightness"
       }
+    },
+    "light": {
+      "light": {
+        "name": "Light"
+      }
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/en.json b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/en.json
index 59d0a22..7f8d0c6 100644
--- a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/en.json
+++ b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/en.json
@@ -50,6 +50,11 @@
       "brightness": {
         "name": "Brightness"
       }
+    },
+    "light": {
+      "light": {
+        "name": "Light"
+      }
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/ru.json b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/ru.json
index f0b8497..b00c895 100644
--- a/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/ru.json
+++ b/custom_components/wled_screen_controller/translations/ru.json
@@ -50,6 +50,11 @@
       "brightness": {
         "name": "Яркость"
       }
+    },
+    "light": {
+      "light": {
+        "name": "Подсветка"
+      }
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/server/restart.ps1 b/server/restart.ps1
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2b00b90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/restart.ps1
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+# Restart the WLED Screen Controller server
+# Stop any running instance
+$procs = Get-CimInstance Win32_Process -Filter "Name='python.exe'" |
+    Where-Object { $_.CommandLine -like '*wled_controller.main*' }
+foreach ($p in $procs) {
+    Write-Host "Stopping server (PID $($p.ProcessId))..."
+    Stop-Process -Id $p.ProcessId -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
+}
+if ($procs) { Start-Sleep -Seconds 2 }
+
+# Start server detached
+Write-Host "Starting server..."
+Start-Process -FilePath python -ArgumentList '-m', 'wled_controller.main' `
+    -WorkingDirectory 'c:\Users\Alexei\Documents\wled-screen-controller\server' `
+    -WindowStyle Hidden
+
+Start-Sleep -Seconds 3
+
+# Verify it's running
+$check = Get-CimInstance Win32_Process -Filter "Name='python.exe'" |
+    Where-Object { $_.CommandLine -like '*wled_controller.main*' }
+if ($check) {
+    Write-Host "Server started (PID $($check[0].ProcessId))"
+} else {
+    Write-Host "WARNING: Server does not appear to be running!"
+}
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/devices.py b/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/devices.py
index 443993b..b128616 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/devices.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/devices.py
@@ -348,11 +348,12 @@ async def get_device_brightness(
         raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=f"Brightness control is not supported for {device.device_type} devices")
 
     try:
-        if device.device_type == "adalight":
-            return {"brightness": device.software_brightness}
         provider = get_provider(device.device_type)
         bri = await provider.get_brightness(device.url)
         return {"brightness": bri}
+    except NotImplementedError:
+        # Provider has no hardware brightness; use software brightness
+        return {"brightness": device.software_brightness}
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Failed to get brightness for {device_id}: {e}")
         raise HTTPException(status_code=502, detail=f"Failed to reach device: {e}")
@@ -378,16 +379,25 @@ async def set_device_brightness(
         raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="brightness must be an integer 0-255")
 
     try:
-        if device.device_type == "adalight":
+        try:
+            provider = get_provider(device.device_type)
+            await provider.set_brightness(device.url, bri)
+        except NotImplementedError:
+            # Provider has no hardware brightness; use software brightness
             device.software_brightness = bri
             device.updated_at = __import__("datetime").datetime.utcnow()
             store.save()
-            # Update runtime state so the processing loop picks it up
             if device_id in manager._devices:
                 manager._devices[device_id].software_brightness = bri
-            return {"brightness": bri}
-        provider = get_provider(device.device_type)
-        await provider.set_brightness(device.url, bri)
+
+        # If device is idle with a static color, re-send it at the new brightness
+        ds = manager._devices.get(device_id)
+        if ds and ds.static_color is not None and not manager.is_device_processing(device_id):
+            try:
+                await manager.send_static_color(device_id, ds.static_color)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
         return {"brightness": bri}
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Failed to set brightness for {device_id}: {e}")
@@ -512,12 +522,15 @@ async def set_device_color(
     if ds:
         ds.static_color = color
 
-    # If device is idle, apply the color immediately
-    if color is not None and not manager.is_device_processing(device_id):
+    # If device is idle, apply the change immediately
+    if not manager.is_device_processing(device_id):
         try:
-            await manager.send_static_color(device_id, color)
+            if color is not None:
+                await manager.send_static_color(device_id, color)
+            else:
+                await manager.clear_device(device_id)
         except Exception as e:
-            logger.warning(f"Failed to apply static color immediately: {e}")
+            logger.warning(f"Failed to apply color change immediately: {e}")
 
     return {"color": list(color) if color else None}
 
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/profiles.py b/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/profiles.py
index 9bc6fc5..a281dbe 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/profiles.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/api/routes/profiles.py
@@ -104,6 +104,9 @@ async def create_profile(
         target_ids=data.target_ids,
     )
 
+    if profile.enabled:
+        await engine.trigger_evaluate()
+
     return _profile_to_response(profile, engine)
 
 
@@ -187,6 +190,10 @@ async def update_profile(
     except ValueError as e:
         raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail=str(e))
 
+    # Re-evaluate immediately if profile is enabled (may have new conditions/targets)
+    if profile.enabled:
+        await engine.trigger_evaluate()
+
     return _profile_to_response(profile, engine)
 
 
@@ -230,6 +237,9 @@ async def enable_profile(
     except ValueError as e:
         raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail=str(e))
 
+    # Evaluate immediately so targets start without waiting for the next poll cycle
+    await engine.trigger_evaluate()
+
     return _profile_to_response(profile, engine)
 
 
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/serial_provider.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/serial_provider.py
index b473fb0..23c581b 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/serial_provider.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/serial_provider.py
@@ -119,18 +119,28 @@ class SerialDeviceProvider(LEDDeviceProvider):
     async def set_color(self, url: str, color: Tuple[int, int, int], **kwargs) -> None:
         """Send a solid color frame to the device.
 
-        Requires kwargs: led_count (int), baud_rate (int | None).
+        Accepts optional kwargs:
+            client: An already-connected LEDClient (e.g. cached idle client).
+            brightness (int): Software brightness 0-255 (default 255).
+            led_count (int), baud_rate (int | None).
         """
         led_count = kwargs.get("led_count", 0)
-        baud_rate = kwargs.get("baud_rate")
         if led_count <= 0:
             raise ValueError(f"led_count is required to send color frame to {self.device_type} device")
 
-        client = self.create_client(url, led_count=led_count, baud_rate=baud_rate)
-        try:
-            await client.connect()
-            frame = np.full((led_count, 3), color, dtype=np.uint8)
-            await client.send_pixels(frame, brightness=255)
-            logger.info(f"{self.device_type} set_color: sent solid {color} to {url}")
-        finally:
-            await client.close()
+        brightness = kwargs.get("brightness", 255)
+        frame = np.full((led_count, 3), color, dtype=np.uint8)
+
+        existing_client = kwargs.get("client")
+        if existing_client:
+            await existing_client.send_pixels(frame, brightness=brightness)
+        else:
+            baud_rate = kwargs.get("baud_rate")
+            client = self.create_client(url, led_count=led_count, baud_rate=baud_rate)
+            try:
+                await client.connect()
+                await client.send_pixels(frame, brightness=brightness)
+            finally:
+                await client.close()
+
+        logger.info(f"{self.device_type} set_color: sent solid {color} to {url}")
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/wled_provider.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/wled_provider.py
index a403834..b89282a 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/wled_provider.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/devices/wled_provider.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 """WLED device provider — consolidates all WLED-specific dispatch logic."""
 
 import asyncio
-from typing import List, Optional
+from typing import List, Optional, Tuple
 
 import httpx
 from zeroconf import ServiceStateChange
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ class WLEDDeviceProvider(LEDDeviceProvider):
 
     @property
     def capabilities(self) -> set:
-        return {"brightness_control", "power_control", "standby_required"}
+        return {"brightness_control", "power_control", "standby_required", "static_color"}
 
     def create_client(self, url: str, **kwargs) -> LEDClient:
         from wled_controller.core.devices.wled_client import WLEDClient
@@ -186,3 +186,16 @@ class WLEDDeviceProvider(LEDDeviceProvider):
                 json={"on": on},
             )
             resp.raise_for_status()
+
+    async def set_color(self, url: str, color: Tuple[int, int, int], **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Set WLED to a solid color using the native segment color API."""
+        url = url.rstrip("/")
+        async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=5.0) as http_client:
+            resp = await http_client.post(
+                f"{url}/json/state",
+                json={
+                    "on": True,
+                    "seg": [{"col": [[color[0], color[1], color[2]]], "fx": 0}],
+                },
+            )
+            resp.raise_for_status()
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/processing/processor_manager.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/processing/processor_manager.py
index 8108e4a..b1716f4 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/processing/processor_manager.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/processing/processor_manager.py
@@ -597,18 +597,31 @@ class ProcessorManager:
         return None
 
     async def send_static_color(self, device_id: str, color: Tuple[int, int, int]) -> None:
-        """Send a solid color to a device via the cached idle client."""
-        import numpy as np
+        """Send a solid color to a device via its provider."""
         ds = self._devices.get(device_id)
         if not ds:
             raise ValueError(f"Device {device_id} not found")
         try:
+            provider = get_provider(ds.device_type)
             client = await self._get_idle_client(device_id)
-            frame = np.full((ds.led_count, 3), color, dtype=np.uint8)
-            await client.send_pixels(frame)
+            await provider.set_color(
+                ds.device_url, color,
+                led_count=ds.led_count, baud_rate=ds.baud_rate, client=client,
+                brightness=ds.software_brightness,
+            )
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"Failed to send static color for {device_id}: {e}")
 
+    async def clear_device(self, device_id: str) -> None:
+        """Clear LED output on a device (send black / power off)."""
+        ds = self._devices.get(device_id)
+        if not ds:
+            raise ValueError(f"Device {device_id} not found")
+        try:
+            await self._send_clear_pixels(device_id)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to clear device {device_id}: {e}")
+
     async def _restore_device_idle_state(self, device_id: str) -> None:
         """Restore a device to its idle state when all targets stop.
 
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/profiles/profile_engine.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/profiles/profile_engine.py
index 7ef18f6..715def1 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/profiles/profile_engine.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/profiles/profile_engine.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ class ProfileEngine:
         self._poll_interval = poll_interval
         self._detector = PlatformDetector()
         self._task: Optional[asyncio.Task] = None
+        self._eval_lock = asyncio.Lock()
 
         # Runtime state (not persisted)
         # profile_id → set of target_ids that THIS profile started
@@ -64,6 +65,10 @@ class ProfileEngine:
             pass
 
     async def _evaluate_all(self) -> None:
+        async with self._eval_lock:
+            await self._evaluate_all_locked()
+
+    async def _evaluate_all_locked(self) -> None:
         profiles = self._store.get_all_profiles()
         if not profiles:
             # No profiles — deactivate any stale state
@@ -71,9 +76,18 @@ class ProfileEngine:
                 await self._deactivate_profile(pid)
             return
 
-        # Gather platform state once per cycle
-        running_procs = await self._detector.get_running_processes()
-        topmost_proc = await self._detector.get_topmost_process()
+        # Only enumerate processes when at least one enabled profile has conditions
+        needs_detection = any(
+            p.enabled and len(p.conditions) > 0
+            for p in profiles
+        )
+
+        if needs_detection:
+            running_procs = await self._detector.get_running_processes()
+            topmost_proc = await self._detector.get_topmost_process()
+        else:
+            running_procs = set()
+            topmost_proc = None
 
         active_profile_ids = set()
 
@@ -139,6 +153,7 @@ class ProfileEngine:
 
     async def _activate_profile(self, profile: Profile) -> None:
         started: Set[str] = set()
+        failed = False
         for target_id in profile.target_ids:
             try:
                 # Skip targets that are already running (manual or other profile)
@@ -150,15 +165,17 @@ class ProfileEngine:
                 started.add(target_id)
                 logger.info(f"Profile '{profile.name}' started target {target_id}")
             except Exception as e:
+                failed = True
                 logger.warning(f"Profile '{profile.name}' failed to start target {target_id}: {e}")
 
-        if started:
+        if started or not failed:
+            # Active: either we started targets, or all were already running
             self._active_profiles[profile.id] = started
             self._last_activated[profile.id] = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
             self._fire_event(profile.id, "activated", list(started))
-            logger.info(f"Profile '{profile.name}' activated ({len(started)} targets)")
+            logger.info(f"Profile '{profile.name}' activated ({len(started)} targets started)")
         else:
-            logger.debug(f"Profile '{profile.name}' matched but no targets started — will retry")
+            logger.debug(f"Profile '{profile.name}' matched but targets failed to start — will retry")
 
     async def _deactivate_profile(self, profile_id: str) -> None:
         owned = self._active_profiles.pop(profile_id, set())
@@ -210,6 +227,13 @@ class ProfileEngine:
             result[profile.id] = self.get_profile_state(profile.id)
         return result
 
+    async def trigger_evaluate(self) -> None:
+        """Run a single evaluation cycle immediately (used after enabling a profile)."""
+        try:
+            await self._evaluate_all()
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Immediate profile evaluation error: {e}", exc_info=True)
+
     async def deactivate_if_active(self, profile_id: str) -> None:
         """Deactivate a profile immediately (used when disabling/deleting)."""
         if profile_id in self._active_profiles:
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/app.js b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/app.js
index 8049496..dc115b2 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/app.js
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/app.js
@@ -35,10 +35,11 @@ import {
     updateSettingsBaudFpsHint,
 } from './features/devices.js';
 import {
-    loadDashboard, startDashboardWS, stopDashboardWS, stopUptimeTimer,
+    loadDashboard, stopUptimeTimer,
     dashboardToggleProfile, dashboardStartTarget, dashboardStopTarget, dashboardStopAll,
     toggleDashboardSection, changeDashboardPollInterval,
 } from './features/dashboard.js';
+import { startEventsWS, stopEventsWS } from './core/events-ws.js';
 import {
     startPerfPolling, stopPerfPolling,
 } from './features/perf-charts.js';
@@ -150,8 +151,6 @@ Object.assign(window, {
 
     // dashboard
     loadDashboard,
-    startDashboardWS,
-    stopDashboardWS,
     dashboardToggleProfile,
     dashboardStartTarget,
     dashboardStopTarget,
@@ -301,6 +300,7 @@ window.addEventListener('beforeunload', () => {
     if (refreshInterval) {
         clearInterval(refreshInterval);
     }
+    stopEventsWS();
     disconnectAllKCWebSockets();
 });
 
@@ -337,6 +337,7 @@ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', async () => {
     loadDisplays();
     loadTargetsTab();
 
-    // Start auto-refresh
+    // Start global events WebSocket and auto-refresh
+    startEventsWS();
     startAutoRefresh();
 });
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/core/events-ws.js b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/core/events-ws.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..397e1cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/core/events-ws.js
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+/**
+ * Global events WebSocket — stays connected while logged in,
+ * dispatches DOM custom events that feature modules can listen to.
+ *
+ * Events dispatched: server:state_change, server:profile_state_changed
+ */
+
+import { apiKey } from './state.js';
+
+let _ws = null;
+let _reconnectTimer = null;
+
+export function startEventsWS() {
+    stopEventsWS();
+    if (!apiKey) return;
+
+    const wsProto = location.protocol === 'https:' ? 'wss:' : 'ws:';
+    const url = `${wsProto}//${location.host}/api/v1/events/ws?token=${apiKey}`;
+
+    try {
+        _ws = new WebSocket(url);
+        _ws.onmessage = (event) => {
+            try {
+                const data = JSON.parse(event.data);
+                document.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent(`server:${data.type}`, { detail: data }));
+            } catch {}
+        };
+        _ws.onclose = () => {
+            _ws = null;
+            _reconnectTimer = setTimeout(startEventsWS, 3000);
+        };
+        _ws.onerror = () => {};
+    } catch {
+        _ws = null;
+    }
+}
+
+export function stopEventsWS() {
+    if (_reconnectTimer) {
+        clearTimeout(_reconnectTimer);
+        _reconnectTimer = null;
+    }
+    if (_ws) {
+        _ws.onclose = null;
+        _ws.close();
+        _ws = null;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/core/state.js b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/core/state.js
index 0d50c79..37fc042 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/core/state.js
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/core/state.js
@@ -18,9 +18,6 @@ export function setKcTestAutoRefresh(v) { kcTestAutoRefresh = v; }
 export let kcTestTargetId = null;
 export function setKcTestTargetId(v) { kcTestTargetId = v; }
 
-export let _dashboardWS = null;
-export function set_dashboardWS(v) { _dashboardWS = v; }
-
 export let _cachedDisplays = null;
 export function set_cachedDisplays(v) { _cachedDisplays = v; }
 
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/dashboard.js b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/dashboard.js
index 09b619f..a13dcc6 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/dashboard.js
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/dashboard.js
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
  * Dashboard — real-time target status overview.
  */
 
-import { apiKey, _dashboardWS, set_dashboardWS, _dashboardLoading, set_dashboardLoading, dashboardPollInterval, setDashboardPollInterval } from '../core/state.js';
+import { apiKey, _dashboardLoading, set_dashboardLoading, dashboardPollInterval, setDashboardPollInterval } from '../core/state.js';
 import { API_BASE, getHeaders, fetchWithAuth } from '../core/api.js';
 import { t } from '../core/i18n.js';
 import { escapeHtml, handle401Error } from '../core/api.js';
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ function formatUptime(seconds) {
     return `${s}s`;
 }
 
-export async function loadDashboard() {
+export async function loadDashboard(forceFullRender = false) {
     if (_dashboardLoading) return;
     set_dashboardLoading(true);
     const container = document.getElementById('dashboard-content');
@@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ export async function loadDashboard() {
             const newRunningIds = running.map(t => t.id).sort().join(',');
             const prevRunningIds = [..._lastRunningIds].sort().join(',');
             const hasExistingDom = !!container.querySelector('.dashboard-perf-persistent');
-            if (hasExistingDom && newRunningIds === prevRunningIds && newRunningIds !== '') {
+            if (!forceFullRender && hasExistingDom && newRunningIds === prevRunningIds && newRunningIds !== '') {
                 _updateRunningMetrics(running);
                 set_dashboardLoading(false);
                 return;
@@ -567,32 +567,23 @@ export async function dashboardStopAll() {
     }
 }
 
-export function startDashboardWS() {
-    stopDashboardWS();
-    if (!apiKey) return;
-    const wsProto = location.protocol === 'https:' ? 'wss:' : 'ws:';
-    const url = `${wsProto}//${location.host}/api/v1/events/ws?token=${apiKey}`;
-    try {
-        set_dashboardWS(new WebSocket(url));
-        _dashboardWS.onmessage = (event) => {
-            try {
-                const data = JSON.parse(event.data);
-                if (data.type === 'state_change' || data.type === 'profile_state_changed') {
-                    loadDashboard();
-                }
-            } catch {}
-        };
-        _dashboardWS.onclose = () => { set_dashboardWS(null); };
-        _dashboardWS.onerror = () => { set_dashboardWS(null); };
-    } catch {
-        set_dashboardWS(null);
-    }
-}
-
 export function stopUptimeTimer() {
     _stopUptimeTimer();
 }
 
+// React to global server events when dashboard tab is active
+function _isDashboardActive() {
+    return (localStorage.getItem('activeTab') || 'dashboard') === 'dashboard';
+}
+
+document.addEventListener('server:state_change', () => {
+    if (_isDashboardActive()) loadDashboard();
+});
+
+document.addEventListener('server:profile_state_changed', () => {
+    if (_isDashboardActive()) loadDashboard(true);
+});
+
 // Re-render dashboard when language changes
 document.addEventListener('languageChanged', () => {
     if (!apiKey) return;
@@ -601,10 +592,3 @@ document.addEventListener('languageChanged', () => {
     if (perfEl) perfEl.remove();
     loadDashboard();
 });
-
-export function stopDashboardWS() {
-    if (_dashboardWS) {
-        _dashboardWS.close();
-        set_dashboardWS(null);
-    }
-}
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/profiles.js b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/profiles.js
index 9b917cb..33f611e 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/profiles.js
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/profiles.js
@@ -13,6 +13,13 @@ const profileModal = new Modal('profile-editor-modal');
 // Re-render profiles when language changes
 document.addEventListener('languageChanged', () => { if (apiKey) loadProfiles(); });
 
+// React to real-time profile state changes from global events WS
+document.addEventListener('server:profile_state_changed', () => {
+    if (apiKey && (localStorage.getItem('activeTab') || 'dashboard') === 'profiles') {
+        loadProfiles();
+    }
+});
+
 export async function loadProfiles() {
     const container = document.getElementById('profiles-content');
     if (!container) return;
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/tabs.js b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/tabs.js
index 055d4b9..f34af9a 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/tabs.js
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/js/features/tabs.js
@@ -11,9 +11,7 @@ export function switchTab(name) {
     if (name === 'dashboard') {
         // Use window.* to avoid circular imports with feature modules
         if (apiKey && typeof window.loadDashboard === 'function') window.loadDashboard();
-        if (apiKey && typeof window.startDashboardWS === 'function') window.startDashboardWS();
     } else {
-        if (typeof window.stopDashboardWS === 'function') window.stopDashboardWS();
         if (typeof window.stopPerfPolling === 'function') window.stopPerfPolling();
         if (typeof window.stopUptimeTimer === 'function') window.stopUptimeTimer();
         if (!apiKey) return;