diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py b/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
index a8ee72ed7f..10adcd1b6a 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/__init__.py
@@ -1287,6 +1287,10 @@ class Application(QApplication):
             if cft >= 0:
                 self.setCursorFlashTime(int(cft))
 
+    @property
+    def using_calibre_style(self) -> bool:
+        return self.palette_manager.using_calibre_style
+
     @property
     def is_dark_theme(self):
         return self.palette_manager.is_dark_theme
diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/book_details.py b/src/calibre/gui2/book_details.py
index 939e5480b1..0d0f5fb7f9 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/book_details.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/book_details.py
@@ -1061,6 +1061,12 @@ class BookInfo(HTMLDisplay):
         ac.current_url = ac.current_fmt = None
         self.setFocusPolicy(Qt.FocusPolicy.NoFocus)
         self.setDefaultStyleSheet(css())
+        if iswindows and not QApplication.instance().using_calibre_style:
+            # workaround Qt bug that causes selected text to be invisible on
+            # windows when using system theme
+            bg = self.palette().color(QPalette.ColorRole.Highlight).name()
+            fg = self.palette().color(QPalette.ColorRole.HighlightedText).name()
+            self.setStyleSheet(f'QTextBrowser {{ selection-color: {fg}; selection-background-color: {bg}; }}')
 
     def change_layout(self, vertical):
         if vertical != self.vertical: