diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/store/search/search.py b/src/calibre/gui2/store/search/search.py
index e0d0251f98..f9ac45e707 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/store/search/search.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/store/search/search.py
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ class SearchDialog(QDialog, Ui_Dialog):
         else:
             self.resize_columns()
 
-        self.open_external.setChecked(self.config.get('open_external', False))
+        self.open_external.setChecked(self.config.get('open_external', True))
 
         store_check = self.config.get('store_checked', None)
         if store_check: