https://doc.qt.io/qt-6/qscxmlstatemachine.html#start says, "The machine will reset its configuration and transition to the initial state." However, it looks like the old/stale state is retained.

Steps to reproduce

1. Build and run the attached project
2. Click "Start"
3. Keep clicking "Next" until the machine reports that it is "Finished"
4. Click "Stop"
5. Click "Start" again

(Note: Step #4 has no effect and can be omitted from the test above. It was included for completeness.)

Outcomes: Up till Step #3

So far so good:

Starting...
Running?: true
Entering "State1" -- Active states: "State1"
Exiting "State1" -- Active states: ""
Entering "State2" -- Active states: "State2"
Exiting "State2" -- Active states: ""
Entering "State3" -- Active states: "State3"
Exiting "State3" -- Active states: ""
Running?: false
Entering "Final" -- Active states: "Final"
Finished

Actual outcome: Step #5

Starting...
Running?: true
Entering "State1" -- Active states: "Final|State1"

Expected outcome: Step #5

Starting...
Running?: true
Entering "State1" -- Active states: "State1"