diff --git a/source/common/console/c_console.cpp b/source/common/console/c_console.cpp
index 365d92889..48c7b86de 100644
--- a/source/common/console/c_console.cpp
+++ b/source/common/console/c_console.cpp
@@ -70,6 +70,8 @@
 #define RIGHTMARGIN 8
 #define BOTTOMARGIN 12
 
+extern bool AppActive;
+
 CUSTOM_CVAR(Int, con_buffersize, -1, CVAR_ARCHIVE | CVAR_GLOBALCONFIG)
 {
 	// ensure a minimum size
@@ -1039,7 +1041,7 @@ static bool C_HandleKey (event_t *ev, FCommandBuffer &buffer)
 			// Close console and clear command line. But if we're in the
 			// fullscreen console mode, there's nothing to fall back on
 			// if it's closed, so open the main menu instead.
-			if (gamestate == GS_STARTUP)
+			if (gamestate == GS_STARTUP || !AppActive)
 			{
 				return false;
 			}