diff --git a/ui/desktop/src/styles/main.css b/ui/desktop/src/styles/main.css
index 3ed1a85602..ccf832675a 100644
--- a/ui/desktop/src/styles/main.css
+++ b/ui/desktop/src/styles/main.css
@@ -927,23 +927,19 @@ p > code.bg-inline-code {
 
 /* Navigation tile stagger animation with enhanced easing */
 .nav-tile {
-  animation: nav-tile-in 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1) forwards;
-  /* Start invisible, animation will make visible */
+  animation: nav-tile-in 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
+  animation-fill-mode: both;
+  /* Start at the first keyframe to prevent flash */
   opacity: 0;
-  /* Prevent flickering by hinting to browser */
-  will-change: opacity, transform;
-}
-
-/* Remove will-change after animation completes to save resources */
-.nav-tile.animation-complete {
-  will-change: auto;
+  transform: translateY(24px) scale(0.92);
 }
 
 .nav-tile-exit {
-  animation: nav-tile-out 0.2s ease-in forwards;
-  /* Ensure we start from visible state when exiting */
+  animation: nav-tile-out 0.2s ease-in;
+  animation-fill-mode: both;
+  /* Override to ensure we start from visible state */
   opacity: 1 !important;
-  will-change: opacity, transform;
+  transform: translateY(0) scale(1) !important;
 }
 
 /* Enhanced stagger delays with better rhythm - faster start, gradual slowdown */