diff --git a/nixos/tests/gnome-xorg.nix b/nixos/tests/gnome-xorg.nix
index f520a0123830..d616d4f02351 100644
--- a/nixos/tests/gnome-xorg.nix
+++ b/nixos/tests/gnome-xorg.nix
@@ -82,6 +82,9 @@ import ./make-test-python.nix ({ pkgs, lib, ...} : {
           )
 
       with subtest("Open Console"):
+          # Close the Activities view so that Shell can correctly track the focused window.
+          machine.send_key("esc")
+
           machine.succeed(
               "${launchConsole}"
           )
diff --git a/nixos/tests/gnome.nix b/nixos/tests/gnome.nix
index 5ab641f9f848..5a28e3bb0e81 100644
--- a/nixos/tests/gnome.nix
+++ b/nixos/tests/gnome.nix
@@ -79,6 +79,9 @@ import ./make-test-python.nix ({ pkgs, lib, ...} : {
           )
 
       with subtest("Open Console"):
+          # Close the Activities view so that Shell can correctly track the focused window.
+          machine.send_key("esc")
+
           machine.succeed(
               "${launchConsole}"
           )