diff --git a/src/pref.py b/src/pref.py
index 2f23d2906..3d41d1712 100644
--- a/src/pref.py
+++ b/src/pref.py
@@ -41,9 +41,9 @@ DEFAULT_PREFS = {
     "auto_end_seeding" : False,
     "auto_seed_ratio" : 0,
     "close_to_tray" : False,
-    "default_download_path" : "",
+    "default_download_path" : os.path.expanduser("~/"),
     "default_load_path" : os.path.expanduser("~/"),
-    "default_finished_path" : "",
+    "default_finished_path" : os.path.expanduser("~/"),
     "enable_move_completed" : False,
     "enable_dht" : True,
     "enable_system_tray" : True,