diff --git a/core/src/main/java/com/github/weisj/darklaf/settings/ThemeSettings.java b/core/src/main/java/com/github/weisj/darklaf/settings/ThemeSettings.java
index bc0e4241..47a0e267 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/com/github/weisj/darklaf/settings/ThemeSettings.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/com/github/weisj/darklaf/settings/ThemeSettings.java
@@ -463,7 +463,7 @@ public class ThemeSettings implements ThemePreferenceListener {
 
     protected void applyTheme(final Theme theme) {
         if (theme == null) return;
-        if (LafManager.getTheme().appearsEqualTo(theme)) return;
+        if (LafManager.isInstalled() && LafManager.getTheme().appearsEqualTo(theme)) return;
         SwingUtilities.invokeLater(() -> {
             LafManager.installTheme(theme);
             refresh();