diff --git a/xpra/scripts/server.py b/xpra/scripts/server.py
index 8f575e8997..b733b57e73 100644
--- a/xpra/scripts/server.py
+++ b/xpra/scripts/server.py
@@ -659,10 +659,9 @@ def noprogressshown(*_args):
                               error_cb, opts, extra_args, full_mode, display_name, defaults,
                               splash_process, progress)
     except Exception as e:
-        if splash_process and splash_process.poll() is None:
-            progress(100, f"error: {e}")
-            import time
-            time.sleep(1)
+        progress(100, f"error: {e}")
+        import time
+        time.sleep(1)
         raise