diff --git a/gnu/system/vm.scm b/gnu/system/vm.scm
index 55cddb1a4b..5068cb3068 100644
--- a/gnu/system/vm.scm
+++ b/gnu/system/vm.scm
@@ -790,6 +790,7 @@ (define virtual-file-systems
     ;; force the traditional i386/BIOS method.
     ;; See <https://bugs.gnu.org/28768>.
     (bootloader (bootloader-configuration
+                  (inherit (operating-system-bootloader os))
                   (bootloader grub-bootloader)
                   (target "/dev/vda")))