diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py
index 2ddcedf322..f61d2cdb16 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/edit_metadata.py
@@ -636,7 +636,7 @@ class EditMetadataAction(InterfaceActionWithLibraryDrop):
                 'and any duplicate formats in the second and subsequently selected books '
                 'will be permanently <b>deleted</b> from your calibre library.<br><br>  '
                 'Are you <b>sure</b> you want to proceed?')%title + '</p>',
-                'merge_only_formats', self.gui, mi):
+                'merge_only_formats', self.gui, mi)[0]:
                 return
             self.add_formats(dest_id, self.formats_for_books(rows))
             self.delete_books_after_merge(src_ids)
diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/confirm_merge.py b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/confirm_merge.py
index f76601a28e..dafda0185f 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/confirm_merge.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/confirm_merge.py
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ class ConfirmMerge(Dialog):
 def confirm_merge(msg, name, parent, mi, ask_about_save_alternate_cover=False):
     config_set = dynamic
     if not config_set.get(confirm_config_name(name), True):
-        return True
+        True, bool(gprefs.get('choose-merge-cb-save_alternate_cover', False))
     d = ConfirmMerge(msg, name, parent, mi, ask_about_save_alternate_cover)
     return d.exec() == QDialog.DialogCode.Accepted, d.save_alternate_cover_cb.isChecked()