diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py b/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py
index a1186a42ce..d4ead859fd 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/ui.py
@@ -118,6 +118,7 @@ class Main(MainWindow, MainWindowMixin, DeviceMixin, EmailMixin,  # {{{
 
     def __init__(self, opts, parent=None, gui_debug=None):
         MainWindow.__init__(self, opts, parent=parent, disable_automatic_gc=True)
+        self.setVisible(False)
         self.setWindowIcon(QApplication.instance().windowIcon())
         self.extra_files_watcher = ExtraFilesWatcher(self)
         self.jobs_pointer = Pointer(self)