diff --git a/src/vs/workbench/parts/debug/electron-browser/repl.ts b/src/vs/workbench/parts/debug/electron-browser/repl.ts
index 389c57ddcabc0047a1c2f5c17005780c968eef60..b6a857853dbcc2b3b913600ce6408dbdbb1c1f89 100644
--- a/src/vs/workbench/parts/debug/electron-browser/repl.ts
+++ b/src/vs/workbench/parts/debug/electron-browser/repl.ts
@@ -292,6 +292,12 @@ export class Repl extends Panel implements IPrivateReplService, IHistoryNavigati
 			accessibilityProvider: new ReplExpressionsAccessibilityProvider(),
 			controller
 		}, replTreeOptions);
+
+		// Make sure to select the session if debugging is already active
+		const focusedSession = this.debugService.getViewModel().focusedSession;
+		if (focusedSession) {
+			this.selectSession(focusedSession);
+		}
 	}
 
 	private createReplInput(container: HTMLElement): void {