diff --git a/src/commands/testExplorerCommands.ts b/src/commands/testExplorerCommands.ts
index f106d83c..ecd47c47 100644
--- a/src/commands/testExplorerCommands.ts
+++ b/src/commands/testExplorerCommands.ts
@@ -101,7 +101,10 @@ export async function refreshProject(classpathUri: Uri): Promise<void> {
         });
         await Promise.all(loadPromises);
     } else {
-        // URI doesn't match any known test project – skip to avoid unnecessary full refresh
+        // Bootstrap: first-time enable tests on an empty Test Explorer.
+        if (testController?.items.size === 0) {
+            await refreshExplorer();
+        }
         return;
     }
     await showTestItemsInCurrentFile();