diff --git a/settings/hyprland.nix b/settings/hyprland.nix
index 4fc8a8f..8ea8716 100644
--- a/settings/hyprland.nix
+++ b/settings/hyprland.nix
@@ -268,6 +268,11 @@ in
               hl.exec_cmd("hyprctl setcursor Bibata-Modern-Ice 24")
               hl.exec_cmd("swayosd-server")
               ${lib.optionalString isMacbook ''hl.exec_cmd("hypridle")''}
+              -- hyprpaper 0.8.4 bug: wallpaper= in config is ignored on startup.
+              -- preload= works so the image is ready; use IPC to assign it.
+              -- Read the path from hyprpaper.conf at runtime to avoid Nix
+              -- string-context conflicts with the powerMenu derivation above.
+              hl.exec_cmd("sleep 2 && hyprctl hyprpaper wallpaper '${if isGaming then "DP-2" else "eDP-1"},'$(grep '^preload=' \"$XDG_CONFIG_HOME/hypr/hyprpaper.conf\" | head -1 | cut -d= -f2-)")
             end)
 
             -- Animation curve and definitions