diff --git a/pylib/anki/decks.py b/pylib/anki/decks.py
index 21af1a812..60aa1fa44 100644
--- a/pylib/anki/decks.py
+++ b/pylib/anki/decks.py
@@ -402,11 +402,11 @@ class DeckManager:
         "Select a new branch."
         # make sure arg is an int
         did = int(did)
-        # current deck
-        self.col.conf["curDeck"] = did
-        # and active decks (current + all children)
-        self.col.conf["activeDecks"] = self.deck_and_child_ids(did)
-        self.col.setMod()
+        current = self.selected()
+        active = self.deck_and_child_ids(did)
+        if current != did or active != self.active():
+            self.col.conf["curDeck"] = did
+            self.col.conf["activeDecks"] = active
 
     # don't use this, it will likely go away
     def update_active(self):