diff --git a/packages/preferences/src/browser/preferences-contribution.ts b/packages/preferences/src/browser/preferences-contribution.ts
index 72292b65cee5f..91ae0b6b96890 100644
--- a/packages/preferences/src/browser/preferences-contribution.ts
+++ b/packages/preferences/src/browser/preferences-contribution.ts
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ export class PreferencesContribution extends AbstractViewContribution<Preference
 
     registerCommands(commands: CommandRegistry): void {
         commands.registerCommand(CommonCommands.OPEN_PREFERENCES, {
-            execute: () => this.openView({ reveal: true }),
+            execute: () => this.openView({ activate: true }),
         });
         commands.registerCommand(PreferencesCommands.OPEN_PREFERENCES_JSON_TOOLBAR, {
             isEnabled: () => true,