diff --git a/server/src/__tests__/bundled-plugins.test.ts b/server/src/__tests__/bundled-plugins.test.ts
index fef938c3a7..26be20b4b4 100644
--- a/server/src/__tests__/bundled-plugins.test.ts
+++ b/server/src/__tests__/bundled-plugins.test.ts
@@ -472,6 +472,17 @@ describe("ensureBundledPlugins", () => {
     expect(deps.logger.error).toHaveBeenCalled();
   });
 
+  it("does not replace an operator uninstall with a distribution approval request", async () => {
+    const localPath = path.join(CATALOG_ROOT, "distribution/widget");
+    const distribution = { key: "widget", pluginKey: "acme.widget", version: "0.1.0", directory: "widget", digest: `sha256:${"a".repeat(64)}`, localPath, entrypoints: { worker: "dist/worker.js" } };
+    const { deps, loadManifest, update, updateStatus, installPlugin } = makeDeps({ rows: { "acme.widget": { id: "row-widget", pluginKey: "acme.widget", status: "uninstalled" } } });
+    loadManifest.mockResolvedValue({ ...makeManifest("acme.widget", "0.1.0"), capabilities: ["issues.read"] });
+    await ensureBundledPlugins([{ ...distribution, distribution }], deps, { reinstallUninstalled: false });
+    expect(update).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(updateStatus).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(installPlugin).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+  });
+
   it("swallows a reconcile error and continues boot", async () => {
     const { deps, update } = makeDeps({
       rows: {
diff --git a/server/src/services/bundled-plugins.ts b/server/src/services/bundled-plugins.ts
index be321ce9a2..0a53ced421 100644
--- a/server/src/services/bundled-plugins.ts
+++ b/server/src/services/bundled-plugins.ts
@@ -265,6 +265,9 @@ async function reconcileBundledPluginManifest(
   verifiedManifest?: PaperclipPluginManifestV1,
 ): Promise<"upgrade_pending" | undefined> {
   try {
+    // Managed reinstalls take the install path instead; this branch means the
+    // operator's uninstall must be retained, including its status.
+    if (install.distribution && existing.status === "uninstalled") return;
     if (!verifiedManifest && !bundleManifestExists(install.localPath)) return;
     const bundleManifest = verifiedManifest ?? await deps.loader.loadManifest(install.localPath);
     if (!bundleManifest) return;