diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py b/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py
index 6b8cef2b8e..353e0b20b6 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py
@@ -722,9 +722,11 @@ class Main(MainWindow, MainWindowMixin, DeviceMixin, EmailMixin,  # {{{
         if location == 'library':
             self.virtual_library_menu.setEnabled(True)
             self.highlight_only_button.setEnabled(True)
+            self.vl_tabs.setEnabled(True)
         else:
             self.virtual_library_menu.setEnabled(False)
             self.highlight_only_button.setEnabled(False)
+            self.vl_tabs.setEnabled(False)
             # Reset the view in case something changed while it was invisible
             self.current_view().reset()
         self.set_number_of_books_shown()