diff --git a/deluge/ui/gtkui/preferences.py b/deluge/ui/gtkui/preferences.py
index c6f3ad37c..6ae5d00e6 100644
--- a/deluge/ui/gtkui/preferences.py
+++ b/deluge/ui/gtkui/preferences.py
@@ -975,7 +975,7 @@ class Preferences(component.Component):
         response = chooser.run()
 
         if response == gtk.RESPONSE_OK:
-            filepath = chooser.get_filename()
+            filepath = deluge.common.decode_string(chooser.get_filename())
         else:
             chooser.destroy()
             return