diff --git a/novelwriter/guimain.py b/novelwriter/guimain.py
index 7438172b..0978d855 100644
--- a/novelwriter/guimain.py
+++ b/novelwriter/guimain.py
@@ -1146,6 +1146,7 @@ class GuiMain(QMainWindow):
     @pyqtSlot(Path)
     def _openProject(self, path: Path) -> None:
         """Handle an open project request."""
+        qApp.processEvents()
         self.openProject(path)
         return
 
diff --git a/novelwriter/tools/welcome.py b/novelwriter/tools/welcome.py
index 084cf002..c7357c48 100644
--- a/novelwriter/tools/welcome.py
+++ b/novelwriter/tools/welcome.py
@@ -197,6 +197,9 @@ class GuiWelcome(QDialog):
     def _openProjectPath(self, path: Path) -> None:
         """Emit a project open signal."""
         if isinstance(path, Path):
+            # Hide before emitting the open project signal so that any
+            # close/backup dialogs don't pop up over it.
+            self.hide()
             self.openProjectRequest.emit(path)
         self.close()
         return