diff --git a/dll/cpl/desk/settings.c b/dll/cpl/desk/settings.c
index c8d4761a05a..dc59fc99008 100644
--- a/dll/cpl/desk/settings.c
+++ b/dll/cpl/desk/settings.c
@@ -472,8 +472,12 @@ OnBPPChanged(IN HWND hwndDlg, IN PSETTINGS_DATA pData)
     /* Show a new spectrum bitmap */
     hSpectrumControl = GetDlgItem(hwndDlg, IDC_SETTINGS_SPECTRUM);
     hSpectrumDC = GetDC(hSpectrumControl);
+    if (hSpectrumDC == NULL)
+        return;
+
     GetClientRect(hSpectrumControl, &client);
     ShowColorSpectrum(hSpectrumDC, &client, dmNewBitsPerPel, pData);
+    ReleaseDC(hSpectrumControl, hSpectrumDC);
 
     /* Find if new parameters are valid */
     Current = pData->CurrentDisplayDevice->CurrentSettings;