diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 5d5d0ed..486f1b9 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -60,8 +60,12 @@ printer. Approved UI references live in `.impeccable/`.
 - Finish with only local `main`, zero divergence from `origin/main`, and the
   temporary remote PR branch deleted after confirmed merge. Verify each merged
   `main` push produces its Windows artifact.
-- Releases additionally require completed Windows smoke evidence, a committed
-  version bump in `src/__init__.py` (the sole version source), and explicit
+- Releases additionally require successful packaged Windows startup evidence
+  for the exact merged commit, a committed version bump in `src/__init__.py`
+  (the sole version source), and explicit
   user authorization for a Build dispatch on `main` with `create_release`
   enabled. Never hand-enter a separate workflow version or dispatch a release
-  from an unverified/uncommitted version.
+  from an unverified/uncommitted version. Word/physical-printer testing is
+  separate: complete the Windows checklist before claiming print verification.
+  Its unavailability does not block publication, but must be disclosed in the
+  release notes. Known printing failures still block release.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b93472c..358d5b8 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -36,8 +36,10 @@ ambiguous templates block preflight. Failed documents receive CSV reports.
 
 Install `requirements-dev.txt` for development. [AGENTS.md](AGENTS.md) owns
 verification commands and protected publication/release rules. Non-Windows
-tests mock Windows dependencies; real Word COM and physical printing require
-the [Windows smoke test](docs/windows-smoke-test.md) before release.
+tests mock Windows dependencies. Packaged Windows startup is required for
+release; real Word COM and physical printing remain unverified until the
+[Windows smoke test](docs/windows-smoke-test.md) passes. Release notes disclose
+any unavailable physical-print validation.
 
 Each merged `main` push produces a PyInstaller executable artifact named
 `ShiftPress-v<version>-<commit>`, retained for seven days. Release versions come
diff --git a/docs/windows-smoke-test.md b/docs/windows-smoke-test.md
index b95493d..d35bca9 100644
--- a/docs/windows-smoke-test.md
+++ b/docs/windows-smoke-test.md
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 # Windows Print Smoke Test
 
-Before release, run this checklist on Windows with Microsoft Word, the intended
-physical printer, representative Day/Night template folders, and the release
-candidate executable (or Python 3.12 via `start_app.bat`). Automated tests and
-packaged startup checks do not establish physical printing.
+To verify real printing, run this checklist on Windows with Microsoft Word,
+the intended physical printer, representative Day/Night template folders, and
+the release candidate executable (or Python 3.12 via `start_app.bat` for source
+testing). Automated tests and packaged startup checks do not establish physical
+printing. [AGENTS.md](../AGENTS.md) owns the separate publication requirements;
+record unavailable print validation honestly rather than treating it as passed.
 
 ## Preparation