diff --git a/src/vm.ts b/src/vm.ts
index bf0c569..07fa03d 100644
--- a/src/vm.ts
+++ b/src/vm.ts
@@ -236,9 +236,9 @@ export async function start(): Promise<void> {
 export async function ensure(log?: (msg: string) => void): Promise<void> {
   requireContainer()
 
-  // Ensure the container daemon is running
-  if (DEBUG) await $`container system start`.nothrow()
-  else await $`container system start`.nothrow().quiet()
+  // Ensure the container daemon is running (--enable-kernel-install skips interactive prompt)
+  if (DEBUG) await $`container system start --enable-kernel-install`.nothrow()
+  else await $`container system start --enable-kernel-install`.nothrow().quiet()
 
   const s = await status()
   if (s === "running") return