diff --git a/src/core/window.c b/src/core/window.c
index d3c0fa5b5..552e8c447 100644
--- a/src/core/window.c
+++ b/src/core/window.c
@@ -2361,7 +2361,10 @@ meta_window_show (MetaWindow *window)
 
   if (!window->placed)
     {
-      if (meta_prefs_get_auto_maximize() && window->showing_for_first_time && window->has_maximize_func)
+      if (window->monitor &&
+          meta_prefs_get_auto_maximize() &&
+          window->showing_for_first_time &&
+          window->has_maximize_func)
         {
           MetaRectangle work_area;
           meta_window_get_work_area_for_monitor (window, window->monitor->number, &work_area);