diff --git a/src/msw/mdi.cpp b/src/msw/mdi.cpp
index b48da31f72..ef6f8e502c 100644
--- a/src/msw/mdi.cpp
+++ b/src/msw/mdi.cpp
@@ -222,6 +222,9 @@ bool wxMDIParentFrame::Create(wxWindow *parent,
 
   wxModelessWindows.Append(this);
 
+  // unlike (almost?) all other windows, frames are created hidden
+  m_isShown = FALSE;
+
   return TRUE;
 }