diff --git a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix
index 09e4d9e1ecdc..39c19ceeff7d 100644
--- a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix
+++ b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/kernel/common-config.nix
@@ -100,6 +100,10 @@ with stdenv.lib;
   # Disable some expensive (?) features.
   PM_TRACE_RTC n
 
+  # Enable initrd support.
+  BLK_DEV_RAM y
+  BLK_DEV_INITRD y
+
   # Enable various subsystems.
   ACCESSIBILITY y # Accessibility support
   AUXDISPLAY y # Auxiliary Display support