diff --git a/server/shadow/shadow_encoder.c b/server/shadow/shadow_encoder.c
index 1e200ee40..8d449bfc6 100644
--- a/server/shadow/shadow_encoder.c
+++ b/server/shadow/shadow_encoder.c
@@ -407,7 +407,10 @@ rdpShadowEncoder* shadow_encoder_new(rdpShadowClient* client)
 	encoder->height = server->screen->height;
 
 	if (shadow_encoder_init(encoder) < 0)
+	{
+		free (encoder);
 		return NULL;
+	}
 
 	return encoder;
 }