diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/main.py b/src/calibre/gui2/main.py
index e93576d6df..6835df3f19 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/main.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/main.py
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ class GuiRunner(QObject):
         self.splash_screen.show_message(_('Starting %s: Loading books...') % __appname__)
 
     def initialize(self, *args):
-        if gprefs['show_splash_screen']:
+        if gprefs['show_splash_screen'] and not self.opts.start_in_tray:
             self.show_splash_screen()
         self.library_path = get_library_path(self)
         if not self.library_path: