diff --git a/src/duckstation-qt/qthostinterface.cpp b/src/duckstation-qt/qthostinterface.cpp
index 79bcab074..d5a95412f 100644
--- a/src/duckstation-qt/qthostinterface.cpp
+++ b/src/duckstation-qt/qthostinterface.cpp
@@ -422,6 +422,7 @@ void QtHostInterface::OnSystemCreated()
   stopBackgroundControllerPollTimer();
 
   emit emulationStarted();
+  emit emulationPaused(false);
 }
 
 void QtHostInterface::OnSystemPaused(bool paused)