diff --git a/nixos/modules/virtualisation/qemu-vm.nix b/nixos/modules/virtualisation/qemu-vm.nix
index 33f48d65d43e..a7610b3e11a0 100644
--- a/nixos/modules/virtualisation/qemu-vm.nix
+++ b/nixos/modules/virtualisation/qemu-vm.nix
@@ -383,7 +383,7 @@ in
 
     # When building a regular system configuration, override whatever
     # video driver the host uses.
-    services.xserver.videoDrivers = mkVMOverride [ "vesa" ];
+    services.xserver.videoDrivers = mkVMOverride [ "modesetting" ];
     services.xserver.defaultDepth = mkVMOverride 0;
     services.xserver.resolutions = mkVMOverride [ { x = 1024; y = 768; } ];
     services.xserver.monitorSection =