diff --git a/native_bridge/src/plugin_host_main.cpp b/native_bridge/src/plugin_host_main.cpp
index bf340ce..9c38f9c 100644
--- a/native_bridge/src/plugin_host_main.cpp
+++ b/native_bridge/src/plugin_host_main.cpp
@@ -55,8 +55,13 @@ static LRESULT CALLBACK PluginHostWndProc(HWND hwnd, UINT msg, WPARAM wParam, LP
             if (g_wndInst) {
                 try { g_wndInst->closeGUI(); } catch (...) {}
             }
-            if (g_hostHwnd) ShowWindow(g_hostHwnd, SW_HIDE);
-            return 0;  // swallow: do NOT let DefWindowProc destroy the window
+            // effEditClose leaves the jBridge wrapper dialog + stale editor
+            // children alive; re-opening on the SAME window stacks a second
+            // dialog on top -> white background, editor never loads. Destroy
+            // the window so the next OPEN_GUI creates a fresh one.
+            g_hostHwnd = nullptr;
+            DestroyWindow(hwnd);
+            return 0;  // swallow: we destroyed it ourselves
         case WM_DESTROY:
             if (g_wndInst) {
                 try { g_wndInst->closeGUI(); } catch (...) {}
@@ -330,7 +335,7 @@ int main(int argc, char* argv[]) {
             printf("[plugin_host] parent gone - exiting\n");
             break;
         }
-        if (idle) {
+        if (idle && !inst.hasAttachedView()) {  // GUI preview needs continuous rendering
             Sleep(15);
             continue;
         }