diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/startup.cc b/gtk2_ardour/startup.cc
index adacae6ad1..3b9d7e5e12 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/startup.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/startup.cc
@@ -148,6 +148,8 @@ Ardour will play NO role in monitoring"))
 			setup_audio_page ();
 		}
 
+		ic_new_session_button.set_active (true); // always create new session on first run
+
 	} else {
 
 		if (need_audio_setup) {