diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/init.py b/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
index 51b17426b8..74f511e6a2 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
@@ -258,7 +258,9 @@ class LayoutMixin(object): # {{{
             getattr(self, x+'_view').save_state()
 
         for x in ('cb', 'tb', 'bd'):
-            getattr(self, x+'_splitter').save_state()
+            s = getattr(self, x+'_splitter')
+            s.update_desired_state()
+            s.save_state()
 
     def read_layout_settings(self):
         # View states are restored automatically when set_database is called
diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py b/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py
index 0237da0a09..60224aefc7 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py
@@ -1032,6 +1032,9 @@ class Splitter(QSplitter):
 
     # Public API {{{
 
+    def update_desired_state(self):
+        self.desired_show = not self.is_side_index_hidden
+
     def save_state(self):
         if self.count() > 1:
             gprefs[self.save_name+'_state'] = self.get_state()