diff --git a/modules/system/boot/kernel.nix b/modules/system/boot/kernel.nix
index c5e304a21f68..c8ed496d8ae8 100644
--- a/modules/system/boot/kernel.nix
+++ b/modules/system/boot/kernel.nix
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ let kernel = config.boot.kernelPackages.kernel; in
     };
 
     boot.vesa = mkOption {
-      default = true;
+      default = config.boot.kernelPackages.splashutils != null;
       example = false;
       description = ''
         Whether to activate VESA video mode on boot.