diff --git a/src/petab_gui/controllers/utils.py b/src/petab_gui/controllers/utils.py
index e5f1920..3af5af8 100644
--- a/src/petab_gui/controllers/utils.py
+++ b/src/petab_gui/controllers/utils.py
@@ -289,9 +289,14 @@ def add_file(self, file_path):
         self.update_tool_bar_menu()
 
     @staticmethod
-    def load_recent_files():
+    def load_recent_files() -> list[str]:
         """Load recent files from settings."""
-        return settings_manager.get_value("recent_files", [])
+        recent_files = settings_manager.get_value("recent_files", [])
+        # for reasons yet unknown, this can be a single string
+        #  instead of a list at times
+        if isinstance(recent_files, list):
+            return recent_files
+        return [recent_files]
 
     def save_recent_files(self):
         """Save recent files to settings."""