diff --git a/lib/common/init.js b/lib/common/init.js
index b82102cf24d2..0c2ac80bd8ef 100644
--- a/lib/common/init.js
+++ b/lib/common/init.js
@@ -58,3 +58,8 @@ if (process.platform === 'win32') {
     process.windowsStore = true
   }
 }
+
+// Workaround for electron/electron#5050
+if (process.platform === 'linux' && process.env.XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP === 'Pantheon') {
+  process.env.XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP = 'Unity';
+}