diff --git a/setup/system.sh b/setup/system.sh
index dd366401..fce3091f 100755
--- a/setup/system.sh
+++ b/setup/system.sh
@@ -87,8 +87,10 @@ tools/editconf.py /etc/systemd/journald.conf MaxRetentionSec=10day
 
 # Disable MOTD adverts to prevent revealing server information in MOTD request headers
 # See https://ma.ttias.be/what-exactly-being-sent-ubuntu-motd/
+if [ -f /etc/default/motd-news ]; then
 tools/editconf.py /etc/default/motd-news ENABLED=0
 rm -f /var/cache/motd-news
+fi
 
 # ### Add PPAs.