diff --git a/qubesmanager/settings.py b/qubesmanager/settings.py
index cafa25c1..4279f5c3 100644
--- a/qubesmanager/settings.py
+++ b/qubesmanager/settings.py
@@ -274,6 +274,15 @@ def save_changes(self):
     def apply(self):
         self.save_changes()
 
+        # these signals must be disconnected to avoid unintended behavior
+        # on refreshing the drop-downs
+        self.netVM.currentIndexChanged.disconnect()
+        self.kernel.currentIndexChanged.disconnect()
+        self.default_dispvm.currentIndexChanged.disconnect()
+
+        self.__init_basic_tab__()
+        self.__init_advanced_tab__()
+
     def save_and_apply(self):
         self.save_changes()
         self.done(0)
diff --git a/qubesmanager/utils.py b/qubesmanager/utils.py
index 6b69acec..67af4325 100644
--- a/qubesmanager/utils.py
+++ b/qubesmanager/utils.py
@@ -37,6 +37,11 @@ def prepare_choice(widget, holder, propname, choice, default,
 
     # for newly created vms, set propname to None
 
+    # clear the widget, so that prepare_choice functions can be used
+    # to refresh widget values
+    while widget.count() > 0:
+        widget.removeItem(0)
+
     debug(
         'prepare_choice(widget={widget!r}, '
         'holder={holder!r}, '