diff --git a/store.go b/store.go
index d856f23..6bc06c3 100644
--- a/store.go
+++ b/store.go
@@ -155,6 +155,9 @@ func newStoreFromConfig(operation string, config StoreConfig) (*Store, error) {
 		storeInstance.purgeInterval = config.PurgeInterval
 	}
 
+	// New() performs a non-destructive scan so orphaned workspaces remain
+	// discoverable through RecoverOrphans().
+	discoverOrphanWorkspacePaths(defaultWorkspaceStateDirectory)
 	storeInstance.startBackgroundPurge()
 	return storeInstance, nil
 }