diff --git a/lib/delphi/test/serializer/TestSerializer.Tests.pas b/lib/delphi/test/serializer/TestSerializer.Tests.pas
index 27830335028..8af91711799 100644
--- a/lib/delphi/test/serializer/TestSerializer.Tests.pas
+++ b/lib/delphi/test/serializer/TestSerializer.Tests.pas
@@ -813,7 +813,12 @@ procedure TTestSerializer.RunTests;
   except
     on e:Exception do begin
       Writeln( e.ClassName+': '+ e.Message);
-      Write('Hit ENTER to close ... '); Readln;
+      ExitCode := 1;
+      // keep the console open only when started from the IDE, never block a scripted run
+      if IsDebuggerPresent then begin
+        Write('Hit ENTER to close ... ');
+        Readln;
+      end;
     end;
   end;
 end;