diff --git a/modules/juce_graphics/native/juce_Direct2DHwndContext_windows.cpp b/modules/juce_graphics/native/juce_Direct2DHwndContext_windows.cpp
index d02ef1ff8e..26d4b45c8a 100644
--- a/modules/juce_graphics/native/juce_Direct2DHwndContext_windows.cpp
+++ b/modules/juce_graphics/native/juce_Direct2DHwndContext_windows.cpp
@@ -393,7 +393,8 @@ private:
             return false;
 
         if (presentation.getPresentation() == nullptr)
-            presentation = swapChainThread->getFreshPresentation();
+            if (swapChainThread != nullptr)
+                presentation = swapChainThread->getFreshPresentation();
 
         // Paint if:
         //      resources are allocated