diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 5342b20f..1ef1726b 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -92,6 +92,9 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: pnpm install --no-frozen-lockfile
 
+      - name: Restore tracked install-time changes
+        run: git checkout -- pnpm-lock.yaml
+
       - name: Configure git author
         run: |
           git config user.name "github-actions[bot]"
@@ -218,6 +221,9 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: pnpm install --no-frozen-lockfile
 
+      - name: Restore tracked install-time changes
+        run: git checkout -- pnpm-lock.yaml
+
       - name: Configure git author
         run: |
           git config user.name "github-actions[bot]"
diff --git a/doc/RELEASE-AUTOMATION-SETUP.md b/doc/RELEASE-AUTOMATION-SETUP.md
index 7e629c14..7f77003a 100644
--- a/doc/RELEASE-AUTOMATION-SETUP.md
+++ b/doc/RELEASE-AUTOMATION-SETUP.md
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ Note:
 
 - the release workflows intentionally use `pnpm install --no-frozen-lockfile`
 - this matches the repo's current policy where `pnpm-lock.yaml` is refreshed by GitHub automation after manifest changes land on `master`
+- the publish jobs then restore `pnpm-lock.yaml` before running `scripts/release.sh`, so the release script still sees a clean worktree
 
 ## 1. Merge the Repo Changes First