diff --git a/main.go b/main.go
index 769dbbf..f98c8bb 100644
--- a/main.go
+++ b/main.go
@@ -127,6 +127,7 @@ type statePaths struct {
 	DefaultSaveAsPath string
 	RecentVaultsPath  string
 	RecentRemotesPath string
+	SettingsPath      string
 	UIPreferencesPath string
 	AutofillCachePath string
 }
@@ -150,6 +151,8 @@ type uiPreferences struct {
 	GroupControlsHidden     bool                    `json:"groupControlsHidden"`
 	LifecycleAdvancedHidden bool                    `json:"lifecycleAdvancedHidden"`
 	HistoryHidden           bool                    `json:"historyHidden"`
+	SyncSourceDefault       string                  `json:"syncSourceDefault,omitempty"`
+	SyncDirectionDefault    string                  `json:"syncDirectionDefault,omitempty"`
 	DenseLayout             bool                    `json:"denseLayout"`
 	StatusBannerMillis      int                     `json:"statusBannerMillis,omitempty"`
 	AutofillNoticeMode      string                  `json:"autofillNoticeMode,omitempty"`
@@ -271,6 +274,10 @@ type ui struct {
 	settingsReducedMotionOn        widget.Clickable
 	settingsKeyboardFocusStandard  widget.Clickable
 	settingsKeyboardFocusProminent widget.Clickable
+	showSettingsSyncLocal          widget.Clickable
+	showSettingsSyncRemote         widget.Clickable
+	showSettingsSyncPull           widget.Clickable
+	showSettingsSyncPush           widget.Clickable
 	editEntry                      widget.Clickable
 	cancelEdit                     widget.Clickable
 	pickVaultPath                  widget.Clickable
@@ -402,10 +409,13 @@ type ui struct {
 	keyboardFocus                  focusID
 	defaultSaveAsPath              string
 	recentVaultsPath               string
+	settingsPath                   string
 	uiPreferencesPath              string
 	recentRemotesPath              string
 	autofillCachePath              string
 	editingEntry                   bool
+	syncDefaultSourceMode          syncSourceMode
+	syncDefaultDirection           syncDirection
 	groupControlsHidden            bool
 	lifecycleAdvancedHidden        bool
 	historyHidden                  bool
@@ -547,6 +557,7 @@ func newUIWithState(mode string, sess appstate.CurrentSession, paths statePaths)
 		lifecycleMode:                 "local",
 		defaultSaveAsPath:             paths.DefaultSaveAsPath,
 		recentVaultsPath:              paths.RecentVaultsPath,
+		settingsPath:                  paths.SettingsPath,
 		uiPreferencesPath:             paths.UIPreferencesPath,
 		recentRemotesPath:             paths.RecentRemotesPath,
 		autofillCachePath:             paths.AutofillCachePath,
@@ -560,6 +571,8 @@ func newUIWithState(mode string, sess appstate.CurrentSession, paths statePaths)
 		now:                           time.Now,
 		syncSourceMode:                syncSourceLocal,
 		syncDirection:                 syncDirectionPull,
+		syncDefaultSourceMode:         syncSourceLocal,
+		syncDefaultDirection:          syncDirectionPull,
 		apiPolicyGroupScope:           true,
 		autofillNoticePreference:      autofillNoticeAll,
 		backgroundResults:             make(chan backgroundActionResult, 8),
@@ -585,6 +598,7 @@ func newUIWithState(mode string, sess appstate.CurrentSession, paths statePaths)
 	u.loadRecentRemotes()
 	u.restoreStartupLifecycleTarget()
 	u.loadUIPreferences()
+	u.loadSettings()
 	u.loadSettingsFormFromPreferences()
 	u.loadSettingsDraft()
 	u.filter()
@@ -621,6 +635,7 @@ func defaultStatePaths(stateDir string) statePaths {
 		DefaultSaveAsPath: filepath.Join(baseDir, "vault.kdbx"),
 		RecentVaultsPath:  filepath.Join(baseDir, "recent-vaults.json"),
 		RecentRemotesPath: filepath.Join(baseDir, "recent-remotes.json"),
+		SettingsPath:      filepath.Join(baseDir, "settings.json"),
 		UIPreferencesPath: filepath.Join(baseDir, "ui-prefs.json"),
 		AutofillCachePath: filepath.Join(baseDir, "autofill-cache.json"),
 	}
@@ -1093,11 +1108,31 @@ func (u *ui) openAdvancedSyncDialog() {
 	u.syncDialogOpen = true
 	u.syncMenuOpen = false
 	u.showSyncPassword = false
+	u.syncSourceMode = u.syncDefaultSourceMode
+	u.syncDirection = u.syncDefaultDirection
 	if strings.TrimSpace(u.syncLocalPath.Text()) == "" {
 		u.syncLocalPath.SetText(strings.TrimSpace(u.vaultPath.Text()))
 	}
 }
 
+func sanitizeSyncSourceMode(mode syncSourceMode) syncSourceMode {
+	switch mode {
+	case syncSourceRemote:
+		return syncSourceRemote
+	default:
+		return syncSourceLocal
+	}
+}
+
+func sanitizeSyncDirection(direction syncDirection) syncDirection {
+	switch direction {
+	case syncDirectionPush:
+		return syncDirectionPush
+	default:
+		return syncDirectionPull
+	}
+}
+
 func (u *ui) advancedSyncAction() error {
 	switch u.syncDirection {
 	case syncDirectionPush:
@@ -2728,6 +2763,18 @@ func (u *ui) layout(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
 	for u.showSyncPush.Clicked(gtx) {
 		u.syncDirection = syncDirectionPush
 	}
+	for u.showSettingsSyncLocal.Clicked(gtx) {
+		u.settingsDraft.Sync.SourceDefault = syncSourceLocal
+	}
+	for u.showSettingsSyncRemote.Clicked(gtx) {
+		u.settingsDraft.Sync.SourceDefault = syncSourceRemote
+	}
+	for u.showSettingsSyncPull.Clicked(gtx) {
+		u.settingsDraft.Sync.DirectionDefault = syncDirectionPull
+	}
+	for u.showSettingsSyncPush.Clicked(gtx) {
+		u.settingsDraft.Sync.DirectionDefault = syncDirectionPush
+	}
 	for u.showAutofillApprovalAsk.Clicked(gtx) {
 		u.autofillFirstFillApprovalMode = autofillFirstFillApprovalAsk
 	}
@@ -3210,7 +3257,7 @@ func (u *ui) securityDialogContent(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
 		}),
 		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(12)}.Layout),
 		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
-			lbl := material.Label(u.theme, unit.Sp(14), "Choose how KeePassGO remembers UI layout behavior, tunes noncritical feedback, and sets the KDBX security defaults used for new or future saves.")
+			lbl := material.Label(u.theme, unit.Sp(14), "Choose how KeePassGO remembers UI layout behavior, sync defaults, and KDBX security defaults without crowding the main vault flow.")
 			lbl.Color = mutedColor
 			return lbl.Layout(gtx)
 		}),
@@ -3248,6 +3295,56 @@ func (u *ui) securityDialogContent(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
 		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(8)}.Layout),
 		layout.Rigid(labeledEditorHelp(u.theme, "KDF", "Supported values: "+strings.Join([]string{vault.KDFAES, vault.KDFArgon2}, ", "), &u.securityKDF, false)),
 		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(12)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(syncDialogSectionLabel(u.theme, "Sync Defaults")),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(6)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+			lbl := material.Label(u.theme, unit.Sp(13), "Advanced Sync starts from these defaults. You can still change the source or direction before a single run.")
+			lbl.Color = mutedColor
+			return lbl.Layout(gtx)
+		}),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(8)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+			return layout.Flex{Spacing: layout.SpaceStart}.Layout(gtx,
+				layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+					return syncChoiceButton(gtx, u.theme, &u.showSettingsSyncPull, "Pull Into Current Vault", u.settingsDraft.Sync.DirectionDefault == syncDirectionPull)
+				}),
+				layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Width: unit.Dp(6)}.Layout),
+				layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+					return syncChoiceButton(gtx, u.theme, &u.showSettingsSyncPush, "Push Current Vault Out", u.settingsDraft.Sync.DirectionDefault == syncDirectionPush)
+				}),
+			)
+		}),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(8)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+			return layout.Flex{Spacing: layout.SpaceStart}.Layout(gtx,
+				layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+					return syncChoiceButton(gtx, u.theme, &u.showSettingsSyncLocal, "Local File", u.settingsDraft.Sync.SourceDefault == syncSourceLocal)
+				}),
+				layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Width: unit.Dp(6)}.Layout),
+				layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+					return syncChoiceButton(gtx, u.theme, &u.showSettingsSyncRemote, "Remote WebDAV", u.settingsDraft.Sync.SourceDefault == syncSourceRemote)
+				}),
+			)
+		}),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(8)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+			return syncDialogSummaryCard(gtx, u.theme, u.settingsDraft.Sync.SourceDefault, u.settingsDraft.Sync.DirectionDefault)
+		}),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(8)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+			lbl := material.Label(u.theme, unit.Sp(12), "Conflict handling stays retry-safe: merged entry changes keep history, while remote save conflicts still require reopening the vault and retrying the save.")
+			lbl.Color = mutedColor
+			return lbl.Layout(gtx)
+		}),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(12)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(syncDialogSectionLabel(u.theme, "Background Sync")),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(6)}.Layout),
+		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
+			lbl := material.Label(u.theme, unit.Sp(12), "Future background sync controls belong here so source, direction, and unattended behavior stay in one settings surface.")
+			lbl.Color = mutedColor
+			return lbl.Layout(gtx)
+		}),
+		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(12)}.Layout),
 		layout.Rigid(syncDialogSectionLabel(u.theme, "Feedback")),
 		layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(8)}.Layout),
 		layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
@@ -3451,7 +3548,7 @@ func (u *ui) syncDialogContent(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
 			}),
 			layout.Rigid(layout.Spacer{Height: unit.Dp(8)}.Layout),
 			layout.Rigid(func(gtx layout.Context) layout.Dimensions {
-				lbl := material.Label(u.theme, unit.Sp(14), "Pick direction, choose the other vault, and then run the merge. The quick sync button keeps using the current source.")
+				lbl := material.Label(u.theme, unit.Sp(14), "Pick direction, choose the other vault, and then run the merge. Saved source and direction defaults now live in Settings.")
 				lbl.Color = mutedColor
 				return lbl.Layout(gtx)
 			}),
diff --git a/main_test.go b/main_test.go
index da591cf..b2c5748 100644
--- a/main_test.go
+++ b/main_test.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package main
 
 import (
 	"bytes"
+	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"image"
 	"io"
@@ -3558,6 +3559,118 @@ func TestUIDenseLayoutPreferencePersists(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestUISyncDefaultsPersistInSettings(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	configPath := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "settings.json")
+
+	first := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	first.settingsPath = configPath
+	first.syncDefaultSourceMode = syncSourceRemote
+	first.syncDefaultDirection = syncDirectionPush
+	first.saveSettings()
+
+	second := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	second.settingsPath = configPath
+	second.syncDefaultSourceMode = syncSourceLocal
+	second.syncDefaultDirection = syncDirectionPull
+	second.loadSettings()
+
+	if got := second.syncDefaultSourceMode; got != syncSourceRemote {
+		t.Fatalf("syncDefaultSourceMode = %q, want remote", got)
+	}
+	if got := second.syncDefaultDirection; got != syncDirectionPush {
+		t.Fatalf("syncDefaultDirection = %q, want push", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUILoadSettingsFallsBackToLegacySyncDefaultsInUIPreferences(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	legacyPath := filepath.Join(dir, "ui-prefs.json")
+	content, err := json.MarshalIndent(uiPreferences{
+		SyncSourceDefault:    string(syncSourceRemote),
+		SyncDirectionDefault: string(syncDirectionPush),
+	}, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("json.MarshalIndent() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(legacyPath, content, 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("os.WriteFile() error = %v", err)
+	}
+
+	reloaded := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	reloaded.uiPreferencesPath = legacyPath
+	reloaded.settingsPath = filepath.Join(dir, "settings.json")
+	reloaded.syncDefaultSourceMode = syncSourceLocal
+	reloaded.syncDefaultDirection = syncDirectionPull
+	reloaded.loadSettings()
+
+	if got := reloaded.syncDefaultSourceMode; got != syncSourceRemote {
+		t.Fatalf("syncDefaultSourceMode = %q after legacy load, want remote", got)
+	}
+	if got := reloaded.syncDefaultDirection; got != syncDirectionPush {
+		t.Fatalf("syncDefaultDirection = %q after legacy load, want push", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUIOpenAdvancedSyncDialogUsesSavedSyncDefaults(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	u := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	u.syncDefaultSourceMode = syncSourceRemote
+	u.syncDefaultDirection = syncDirectionPush
+	u.syncSourceMode = syncSourceLocal
+	u.syncDirection = syncDirectionPull
+	u.vaultPath.SetText("/vaults/current.kdbx")
+
+	u.openAdvancedSyncDialog()
+
+	if got := u.syncSourceMode; got != syncSourceRemote {
+		t.Fatalf("syncSourceMode = %q after open, want remote default", got)
+	}
+	if got := u.syncDirection; got != syncDirectionPush {
+		t.Fatalf("syncDirection = %q after open, want push default", got)
+	}
+	if got := u.syncLocalPath.Text(); got != "/vaults/current.kdbx" {
+		t.Fatalf("syncLocalPath = %q after open, want current vault path", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUISaveSecuritySettingsPersistsSyncDefaults(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	manager := &session.Manager{}
+	u := newUIWithSession("desktop", manager)
+	u.masterPassword.SetText("correct horse battery staple")
+	if err := u.createVaultAction(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("createVaultAction() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	u.securityCipher.SetText(vault.CipherAES256)
+	u.securityKDF.SetText(vault.KDFAES)
+	u.loadSettingsDraft()
+	u.settingsDraft.Sync.SourceDefault = syncSourceRemote
+	u.settingsDraft.Sync.DirectionDefault = syncDirectionPush
+	u.settingsPath = filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "settings.json")
+	u.uiPreferencesPath = filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "ui-prefs.json")
+
+	if err := u.saveSecuritySettingsAction(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("saveSecuritySettingsAction() error = %v", err)
+	}
+
+	reloaded := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	reloaded.settingsPath = u.settingsPath
+	reloaded.loadSettings()
+
+	if got := reloaded.syncDefaultSourceMode; got != syncSourceRemote {
+		t.Fatalf("reloaded syncDefaultSourceMode = %q, want remote", got)
+	}
+	if got := reloaded.syncDefaultDirection; got != syncDirectionPush {
+		t.Fatalf("reloaded syncDefaultDirection = %q, want push", got)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestUIAccessibilityPreferencesPersist(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Parallel()
 
@@ -3657,6 +3770,83 @@ func TestUINotificationPreferencesPersist(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestAutofillPrivacyLinesNormalizesEntries(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	got := autofillPrivacyLines("  com.android.chrome  \n\ncom.example.app\ncom.android.chrome\n  org.keepassgo.browser  ")
+	want := []string{"com.android.chrome", "com.example.app", "org.keepassgo.browser"}
+	if !slices.Equal(got, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("autofillPrivacyLines() = %v, want %v", got, want)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestJoinAutofillPrivacyLines(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	got := joinAutofillPrivacyLines([]string{"com.android.chrome", "com.example.app"})
+	if got != "com.android.chrome\ncom.example.app" {
+		t.Fatalf("joinAutofillPrivacyLines() = %q, want %q", got, "com.android.chrome\ncom.example.app")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUIAutofillPrivacyPreferencesPersist(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	configPath := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "ui-prefs.json")
+
+	first := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	first.uiPreferencesPath = configPath
+	first.autofillFirstFillApprovalMode = autofillFirstFillApprovalBlock
+	first.autofillBrowserAllowlist.SetText("https://accounts.example.com\nhttps://login.example.org\nhttps://accounts.example.com")
+	first.autofillAppAllowlist.SetText("org.mozilla.firefox\ncom.android.chrome")
+	first.autofillPackageRules.SetText("com.android.chrome=hostname\norg.keepassgo.browser=view-id")
+	first.saveUIPreferences()
+
+	second := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	second.uiPreferencesPath = configPath
+	second.autofillFirstFillApprovalMode = autofillFirstFillApprovalAsk
+	second.loadUIPreferences()
+
+	if got := second.autofillFirstFillApprovalMode; got != autofillFirstFillApprovalBlock {
+		t.Fatalf("autofillFirstFillApprovalMode = %q, want %q", got, autofillFirstFillApprovalBlock)
+	}
+	if got := second.autofillBrowserAllowlist.Text(); got != "https://accounts.example.com\nhttps://login.example.org" {
+		t.Fatalf("autofillBrowserAllowlist = %q, want normalized browser allowlist", got)
+	}
+	if got := second.autofillAppAllowlist.Text(); got != "org.mozilla.firefox\ncom.android.chrome" {
+		t.Fatalf("autofillAppAllowlist = %q, want preserved allowlist entries", got)
+	}
+	if got := second.autofillPackageRules.Text(); got != "com.android.chrome=hostname\norg.keepassgo.browser=view-id" {
+		t.Fatalf("autofillPackageRules = %q, want persisted package rules", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUILoadUIPreferencesKeepsDefaultAutofillApprovalWhenMissing(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	configPath := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "ui-prefs.json")
+	content, err := json.Marshal(uiPreferences{
+		GroupControlsHidden:     true,
+		LifecycleAdvancedHidden: true,
+		HistoryHidden:           true,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Marshal(uiPreferences) error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(configPath, content, 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("WriteFile(uiPreferences) error = %v", err)
+	}
+
+	u := newUIWithSession("desktop", &session.Manager{})
+	u.uiPreferencesPath = configPath
+	u.autofillFirstFillApprovalMode = autofillFirstFillApprovalAsk
+	u.loadUIPreferences()
+
+	if got := u.autofillFirstFillApprovalMode; got != autofillFirstFillApprovalAsk {
+		t.Fatalf("autofillFirstFillApprovalMode = %q, want %q when preference missing", got, autofillFirstFillApprovalAsk)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestSelectingRecentRemoteConnectionKeepsPasswordMasked(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Parallel()
 
diff --git a/ui_preferences.go b/ui_preferences.go
index 55b31e5..6853ce5 100644
--- a/ui_preferences.go
+++ b/ui_preferences.go
@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"encoding/json"
 	"image/color"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
@@ -30,8 +33,23 @@ type accessibilityPreferences struct {
 	KeyboardFocus  string
 }
 
+type settingsFile struct {
+	Sync syncSettings `json:"sync,omitempty"`
+}
+
+type syncSettings struct {
+	SourceDefault    string `json:"sourceDefault,omitempty"`
+	DirectionDefault string `json:"directionDefault,omitempty"`
+}
+
+type syncSettingsDraft struct {
+	SourceDefault    syncSourceMode
+	DirectionDefault syncDirection
+}
+
 type settingsDraft struct {
 	Accessibility accessibilityPreferences
+	Sync          syncSettingsDraft
 }
 
 type choiceSpec struct {
@@ -87,6 +105,10 @@ func (u *ui) loadSettingsDraft() {
 			ReducedMotion:  u.accessibilityPrefs.ReducedMotion,
 			KeyboardFocus:  u.accessibilityPrefs.KeyboardFocus,
 		},
+		Sync: syncSettingsDraft{
+			SourceDefault:    u.syncDefaultSourceMode,
+			DirectionDefault: u.syncDefaultDirection,
+		},
 	}
 }
 
@@ -102,13 +124,70 @@ func (u *ui) saveSecuritySettingsAction() error {
 		u.settingsDraft.Accessibility.DisplayDensity = displayDensityForDenseLayout(u.settingsDenseLayout.Value)
 	}
 	u.settingsDenseLayout.Value = u.settingsDraft.Accessibility.DisplayDensity == displayDensityDense
+	u.syncDefaultSourceMode = sanitizeSyncSourceMode(u.settingsDraft.Sync.SourceDefault)
+	u.syncDefaultDirection = sanitizeSyncDirection(u.settingsDraft.Sync.DirectionDefault)
 	u.applySettingsFormToPreferences()
 	u.applyAccessibilityPreferences(u.settingsDraft.Accessibility)
+	u.saveSettings()
 	u.saveUIPreferences()
 	u.securityDialogOpen = false
 	return nil
 }
 
+func (u *ui) loadSettings() {
+	u.syncDefaultSourceMode = syncSourceLocal
+	u.syncDefaultDirection = syncDirectionPull
+
+	if strings.TrimSpace(u.settingsPath) != "" {
+		content, err := os.ReadFile(u.settingsPath)
+		if err == nil {
+			var settings settingsFile
+			if json.Unmarshal(content, &settings) == nil {
+				u.syncDefaultSourceMode = sanitizeSyncSourceMode(syncSourceMode(settings.Sync.SourceDefault))
+				u.syncDefaultDirection = sanitizeSyncDirection(syncDirection(settings.Sync.DirectionDefault))
+				return
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	u.loadLegacySyncDefaultsFromUIPreferences()
+}
+
+func (u *ui) loadLegacySyncDefaultsFromUIPreferences() {
+	if strings.TrimSpace(u.uiPreferencesPath) == "" {
+		return
+	}
+	content, err := os.ReadFile(u.uiPreferencesPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return
+	}
+	var prefs uiPreferences
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(content, &prefs); err != nil {
+		return
+	}
+	u.syncDefaultSourceMode = sanitizeSyncSourceMode(syncSourceMode(prefs.SyncSourceDefault))
+	u.syncDefaultDirection = sanitizeSyncDirection(syncDirection(prefs.SyncDirectionDefault))
+}
+
+func (u *ui) saveSettings() {
+	if strings.TrimSpace(u.settingsPath) == "" {
+		return
+	}
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Dir(u.settingsPath), 0o700); err != nil {
+		return
+	}
+	content, err := json.MarshalIndent(settingsFile{
+		Sync: syncSettings{
+			SourceDefault:    string(u.syncDefaultSourceMode),
+			DirectionDefault: string(u.syncDefaultDirection),
+		},
+	}, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return
+	}
+	_ = os.WriteFile(u.settingsPath, content, 0o600)
+}
+
 func (u *ui) showStatusMessage(message string) {
 	u.state.StatusMessage = message
 	if u.accessibilityPrefs.ReducedMotion {