diff --git a/src/corelib/kernel/qcoreapplication.h b/src/corelib/kernel/qcoreapplication.h
index aa9fe58e2e..5a7dc46a3f 100644
--- a/src/corelib/kernel/qcoreapplication.h
+++ b/src/corelib/kernel/qcoreapplication.h
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ public:
     static void setSetuidAllowed(bool allow);
     static bool isSetuidAllowed();
 
-    static QCoreApplication *instance() { return self; }
+    static QCoreApplication *instance() noexcept { return self; }
 
 #ifndef QT_NO_QOBJECT
     static int exec();