diff --git a/tutor/commands/config.py b/tutor/commands/config.py
index 964813d..177a0a3 100644
--- a/tutor/commands/config.py
+++ b/tutor/commands/config.py
@@ -59,7 +59,8 @@ def save(
     if not env_only:
         tutor_config.save_config_file(context.root, config)
 
-    tutor_config.render_full(config)
+    # Reload configuration, without version checking
+    config = tutor_config.load_full(context.root)
     env.save(context.root, config)
 
 
diff --git a/tutor/config.py b/tutor/config.py
index 4973d24..edc9414 100644
--- a/tutor/config.py
+++ b/tutor/config.py
@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@ def load(root: str) -> Config:
             "quickstart` prior to running other commands."
         )
     env.check_is_up_to_date(root)
-    convert_json2yml(root)
     return load_full(root)
 
 
@@ -39,6 +38,7 @@ def load_full(root: str) -> Config:
     """
     Load a full configuration, with user, base and defaults.
     """
+    convert_json2yml(root)
     config = get_user(root)
     update_with_base(config)
     update_with_defaults(config)