diff --git a/modules/base/macos.nix b/modules/base/macos.nix
index a7976a9..297d415 100644
--- a/modules/base/macos.nix
+++ b/modules/base/macos.nix
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ helpers.darwinAttrs {
 
     activationScripts.postActivation.text = ''
       # disable spotlight
+      mdutil -a -i off >/dev/null 2>&1 || true
       launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.metadata.mds.plist >/dev/null 2>&1 || true
       # disable fseventsd on /nix volume
       mkdir -p /nix/.fseventsd