diff --git a/core/lib/init.c b/core/lib/init.c
index 75abf23dd6..fd0a218424 100644
--- a/core/lib/init.c
+++ b/core/lib/init.c
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ static void *main_trampoline(void *arg)
     }
 #endif
 
-    if (IS_ACTIVE(CONFIG_CORE_EXIT_WITH_MAIN)) {
+    if (IS_ACTIVE(CONFIG_CORE_EXIT_WITH_MAIN) && IS_USED(MODULE_PERIPH_PM)) {
         pm_off();
     }