diff --git a/guake/prefs.py b/guake/prefs.py
index 2ad41f6b5..d69237510 100644
--- a/guake/prefs.py
+++ b/guake/prefs.py
@@ -1175,6 +1175,10 @@ def load_configs(self):
         value = self.settings.general.get_boolean("fullscreen-hide-tabbar")
         self.get_widget("fullscreen_hide_tabbar").set_active(value)
 
+        # new tabs appear after current tab
+        value = self.settings.general.get_boolean("new-tab-after")
+        self.get_widget("new_tab_after").set_active(value)
+
         # hide tabbar if only one tab
         value = self.settings.general.get_boolean("hide-tabs-if-one-tab")
         self.get_widget("hide_tabs_if_one_tab").set_active(value)
diff --git a/releasenotes/notes/new_tab_preference_loading-4dbd58584558c5b0.yaml b/releasenotes/notes/new_tab_preference_loading-4dbd58584558c5b0.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..945b9d882
--- /dev/null
+++ b/releasenotes/notes/new_tab_preference_loading-4dbd58584558c5b0.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+release_summary: >
+  Properly load checkbox value for "New tabs appear after the current tab" setting on startup.
+
+
+fixes:
+  - |
+
+      - "New tabs appear after the current tab" option unchecked at start regardless of actual value. #2261