diff --git a/layouts/magnifier.c b/layouts/magnifier.c
index 10c0d9283..7b5472da9 100644
--- a/layouts/magnifier.c
+++ b/layouts/magnifier.c
@@ -66,11 +66,14 @@ layout_magnifier(int screen)
     {
        /* No other clients. */
         geometry = area;
-        goto bailout;
     }
     client_resize(focus, geometry, focus->honorsizehints);
     client_raise(focus);
 
+    /* bailout when there is only one window */
+    if (!n)
+	goto bailout;
+
     geometry.x = area.x;
     geometry.y = area.y;
     geometry.height = area.height / n;