diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index f03c5cab2c..bdf7ae0aad 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ LYX_OPTION(CONCEPT_CHECKS       "Enable concept-checks" OFF GCC)
 LYX_OPTION(PROFILE              "Build with options for gprof" OFF GCC)
 
 # MSVC specific
-LYX_OPTION(CONSOLE               "Show console on Windows" ON MSVC)
+LYX_OPTION(CONSOLE               "Show console on Windows, enforce with =FORCE" ON MSVC)
 LYX_OPTION(VLD                   "Use VLD with MSVC" OFF MSVC)
 LYX_OPTION(WALL                  "Enable all warnings" OFF MSVC)
 LYX_OPTION(CONFIGURE_CHECKS      "Also run configure checks for MSVC" OFF MSVC)
@@ -136,7 +136,11 @@ if(LYX_INSTALL)
 	if (WIN32)
 		set(LYX_HUNSPELL ON)
 	endif()
-	set(LYX_CONSOLE OFF)
+	if(LYX_CONSOLE MATCHES "FORCE")
+		set(LYX_CONSOLE ON)
+	else()
+		set(LYX_CONSOLE OFF)
+	endif()
 	set(LYX_PACKAGE_SUFFIX ON)
 	set(LYX_RELEASE ON)
 	set(LYX_PROFILE OFF)