diff --git a/docs/changes/unreleased/2186-take-recovery-lost.md b/docs/changes/unreleased/2186-take-recovery-lost.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e5c2692bed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/changes/unreleased/2186-take-recovery-lost.md
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+---
+kind: fixed
+title: A window that takes its released chat back after a failed move accepts work again
+pr: 2186
+surface: [app, chat]
+---
diff --git a/internal/syncsetup/confirm_work.go b/internal/syncsetup/confirm_work.go
index a1d661a3f8..31082b19d1 100644
--- a/internal/syncsetup/confirm_work.go
+++ b/internal/syncsetup/confirm_work.go
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ func (d *Drive) ConfirmWork(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
 			return false, err
 		}
 		d.mu.Lock()
-		d.viewer = Viewer{}
+		d.viewer, d.lost = Viewer{}, false
 		d.mu.Unlock()
 		if err := d.recordSendLease(); err != nil {
 			d.available()