diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py b/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
index 32e87cb899..068f47fbd8 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
@@ -1282,10 +1282,11 @@ def ensure_app(headless=True):
     with _ea_lock:
         if _store_app is None and QApplication.instance() is None:
             args = sys.argv[:1]
-            if headless and (islinux or isbsd):
+            has_headless = islinux or isbsd
+            if headless and has_headless:
                 args += ['-platformpluginpath', sys.extensions_location, '-platform', 'headless']
             _store_app = QApplication(args)
-            if headless and (islinux or isbsd):
+            if headless and has_headless:
                 _store_app.headless = True
             import traceback
             # This is needed because as of PyQt 5.4 if sys.execpthook ==