diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/preferences.py b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/preferences.py
index 40ba3f1593..4e669b8c0e 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/preferences.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/preferences.py
@@ -58,9 +58,9 @@ class PreferencesAction(InterfaceAction):
         for p in plugins:
             if p.category_order != current_cat:
                 current_cat = p.category_order
-                cm = pm.addMenu(p.gui_category)
+                cm = pm.addMenu(p.gui_category.replace('&', '&&'))
                 cm.setIcon(config_icon)
-            self.create_menu_action(cm, p.name, p.gui_name, icon=QIcon.ic(p.icon),
+            self.create_menu_action(cm, p.name, p.gui_name.replace('&', '&&'), icon=QIcon.ic(p.icon),
                                     triggered=partial(self.do_config,
                                                       initial_plugin=(p.category, p.name),
                                                       close_after_initial=True),