diff --git a/src/bin/e_client.c b/src/bin/e_client.c
index 913a08044..2e96ec23a 100644
--- a/src/bin/e_client.c
+++ b/src/bin/e_client.c
@@ -2167,6 +2167,11 @@ _e_client_eval(E_Client *ec)
         e_comp_object_frame_icon_update(ec->frame);
         if ((ec->new_client || ec->re_manage) && ec->desktop && (!ec->exe_inst))
           e_exec_phony(ec);
+        else if (ec->desktop && (!ec->exe_inst->desktop))
+          {
+             efreet_desktop_ref(ec->desktop);
+             ec->exe_inst->desktop = ec->desktop;
+          }
         ec->changes.icon = 0;
         prop |= E_CLIENT_PROPERTY_ICON;
      }