diff --git a/src/vs/workbench/contrib/preferences/browser/settingsEditor2.ts b/src/vs/workbench/contrib/preferences/browser/settingsEditor2.ts
index 523549d99dc..11097a98566 100644
--- a/src/vs/workbench/contrib/preferences/browser/settingsEditor2.ts
+++ b/src/vs/workbench/contrib/preferences/browser/settingsEditor2.ts
@@ -1158,6 +1158,11 @@ export class SettingsEditor2 extends EditorPane {
 	}
 
 	private async onSearchInputChanged(): Promise<void> {
+		if (!this.currentSettingsModel) {
+			// Initializing search widget value
+			return;
+		}
+
 		const query = this.searchWidget.getValue().trim();
 		this.delayedFilterLogging.cancel();
 		await this.triggerSearch(query.replace(/›/g, ' '));