diff --git a/internal/client/windowstray/tray_windows.go b/internal/client/windowstray/tray_windows.go
index 0fc7dc9..035bf2e 100644
--- a/internal/client/windowstray/tray_windows.go
+++ b/internal/client/windowstray/tray_windows.go
@@ -139,10 +139,10 @@ func Run(ctx context.Context, output io.Writer) error {
 	}
 	defer winapi.CloseHandle(mutex)
 	response, err := Request(ctx, Frame{Action: ActionStatus})
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("connect to RVBox service: %w", err)
+	tooltip := "RVBox service unavailable"
+	if err == nil {
+		tooltip = string(response.Payload)
 	}
-	tooltip := string(response.Payload)
 	if tooltip == "" {
 		tooltip = "RVBox service"
 	}