diff --git a/shell/cc-shell-model.c b/shell/cc-shell-model.c
index 736c0a9c4..2dd0e6d05 100644
--- a/shell/cc-shell-model.c
+++ b/shell/cc-shell-model.c
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ load_pixbuf_for_gicon (GIcon *icon)
 {
   GtkIconTheme *theme;
   GtkIconInfo *icon_info;
-  GdkPixbuf *pixbuf;
+  GdkPixbuf *pixbuf = NULL;
   GError *err = NULL;
 
   if (icon == NULL)