diff --git a/src/libs/extensionsystem/optionsparser.cpp b/src/libs/extensionsystem/optionsparser.cpp
index babb0587139..9dc6327b65e 100644
--- a/src/libs/extensionsystem/optionsparser.cpp
+++ b/src/libs/extensionsystem/optionsparser.cpp
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ void OptionsParser::forceDisableAllPluginsExceptTestedAndForceEnabled()
     for (const PluginManagerPrivate::TestSpec &testSpec : m_pmPrivate->testSpecs)
         testSpec.pluginSpec->d->setForceEnabled(true);
     for (PluginSpec *spec : m_pmPrivate->pluginSpecs) {
-        if (!spec->isForceEnabled())
+        if (!spec->isForceEnabled() && !spec->isRequired())
             spec->d->setForceDisabled(true);
     }
 }