diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/ui.py b/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/ui.py
index 1461b51b69..246d11a91c 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/ui.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/viewer/ui.py
@@ -685,7 +685,7 @@ class EbookViewer(MainWindow):
             QApplication.instance().safe_restore_geometry(self, geom)
         else:
             QApplication.instance().ensure_window_on_screen(self)
-        if state:
+        if state and get_session_pref('restore_docks', True):
             self.restoreState(state, self.MAIN_WINDOW_STATE_VERSION)
             self.inspector_dock.setVisible(False)
 
diff --git a/src/pyj/read_book/prefs/misc.pyj b/src/pyj/read_book/prefs/misc.pyj
index c547ec1ad1..47fcf5a9d7 100644
--- a/src/pyj/read_book/prefs/misc.pyj
+++ b/src/pyj/read_book/prefs/misc.pyj
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ DEFAULTS = {
     'sync_annots_user': '',
     'singleinstance': False,
     'auto_hide_mouse': True,
+    'restore_docks': True,
 }
 
 
@@ -74,6 +75,7 @@ def create_misc_panel(container, apply_func, cancel_func):
     container.append(cb('singleinstance', _('Allow only a single instance of the viewer (needs restart)')))
     container.append(cb('hide_tooltips', _('Hide mouse-over tooltips in the book text')))
     container.append(cb('auto_hide_mouse', _('Auto hide the mouse cursor when unused for a few seconds')))
+    container.append(cb('restore_docks', _('Restore open panels such as Table of Contents, Search, etc. on restart')))
 
     container.appendChild(create_button_box(restore_defaults, apply_func, cancel_func))