diff --git a/aqt/main.py b/aqt/main.py
index 969472248..50bb60293 100644
--- a/aqt/main.py
+++ b/aqt/main.py
@@ -356,6 +356,7 @@ Debug info:
                 self.col = None
 
             # return to profile manager
+            self.hide()
             self.showProfileManager()
             return False
 
diff --git a/aqt/preferences.py b/aqt/preferences.py
index 1b7e50dad..4a854c072 100644
--- a/aqt/preferences.py
+++ b/aqt/preferences.py
@@ -12,9 +12,6 @@ from anki.lang import _
 class Preferences(QDialog):
 
     def __init__(self, mw):
-        if not mw.col:
-            showInfo(_("Please open a profile first."))
-            return
         QDialog.__init__(self, mw, Qt.Window)
         self.mw = mw
         self.prof = self.mw.pm.profile