diff --git a/packetbeat/beater/install_npcap.go b/packetbeat/beater/install_npcap.go
index d15ac21479a..f247fee70c8 100644
--- a/packetbeat/beater/install_npcap.go
+++ b/packetbeat/beater/install_npcap.go
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ func installNpcap(b *beat.Beat) error {
 		}
 	}()
 	if !npcap.Upgradeable() {
+		npcap.Installer = nil
 		return nil
 	}