diff --git a/src/core/meta-launch-context.c b/src/core/meta-launch-context.c
index 8cc052452..984338c1b 100644
--- a/src/core/meta-launch-context.c
+++ b/src/core/meta-launch-context.c
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ meta_launch_context_constructed (GObject *object)
 
   G_OBJECT_CLASS (meta_launch_context_parent_class)->constructed (object);
 
-  x11_display = meta_x11_get_display_name ();
+  x11_display = getenv ("DISPLAY");
   wayland_display = getenv ("WAYLAND_DISPLAY");
 
   if (x11_display)