diff --git a/data/gnome-shell.desktop.in.in b/data/gnome-shell.desktop.in.in
index e64364ac1..6d04a0a11 100644
--- a/data/gnome-shell.desktop.in.in
+++ b/data/gnome-shell.desktop.in.in
@@ -13,3 +13,4 @@ NoDisplay=true
 X-GNOME-Autostart-Phase=WindowManager
 X-GNOME-Provides=panel;windowmanager;
 X-GNOME-Autostart-Notify=true
+X-GNOME-AutoRestart=true