diff --git a/linux/linux.mk b/linux/linux.mk
index 2e3ea52053..b2ceeecafb 100644
--- a/linux/linux.mk
+++ b/linux/linux.mk
@@ -539,7 +539,9 @@ endef
 # Run depmod in a target-finalize hook, to encompass modules installed by
 # packages.
 define LINUX_RUN_DEPMOD
-	$(HOST_DIR)/sbin/depmod -a -b $(TARGET_DIR) $(LINUX_VERSION_PROBED)
+	if grep -q "CONFIG_MODULES=y" $(LINUX_DIR)/.config; then \
+		$(HOST_DIR)/sbin/depmod -a -b $(TARGET_DIR) $(LINUX_VERSION_PROBED); \
+	fi
 endef
 LINUX_TARGET_FINALIZE_HOOKS += LINUX_RUN_DEPMOD