diff --git a/qubesmanager/global_settings.py b/qubesmanager/global_settings.py
index 6170a0a8..fdcee8a0 100644
--- a/qubesmanager/global_settings.py
+++ b/qubesmanager/global_settings.py
@@ -284,7 +284,8 @@ def __apply_updates__(self):
                 'service.qubes-update-check'] = \
                 self.updates_dom0.isChecked()
 
-        self.qvm_collection.check_updates_vm = self.updates_vm.isChecked()
+        if self.qvm_collection.check_updates_vm != self.updates_vm.isChecked():
+            self.qvm_collection.check_updates_vm = self.updates_vm.isChecked()
 
     def reject(self):
         self.done(0)