diff --git a/src/xpra/x11/models/window.py b/src/xpra/x11/models/window.py
index 359d028bca..b82089269b 100644
--- a/src/xpra/x11/models/window.py
+++ b/src/xpra/x11/models/window.py
@@ -723,6 +723,12 @@ def _handle_wm_normal_hints_change(self):
         if hmaxw<MAX_WINDOW_SIZE or hmaxh<MAX_WINDOW_SIZE:
             hints["maximum-size"] = hmaxw, hmaxh
         sanitize_size_hints(hints)
+        #we don't use the "size" attribute for anything yet,
+        #and changes to this property could send us into a loop
+        try:
+            del hints["size"]
+        except KeyError:
+            pass
         # Don't send out notify and ConfigureNotify events when this property
         # gets no-op updated -- some apps like FSF Emacs 21 like to update
         # their properties every time they see a ConfigureNotify, and this