diff --git a/configs/pc_x86_64_efi_defconfig b/configs/pc_x86_64_efi_defconfig
index bc99ca755b..2a76f403df 100644
--- a/configs/pc_x86_64_efi_defconfig
+++ b/configs/pc_x86_64_efi_defconfig
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ BR2_LINUX_KERNEL_CUSTOM_VERSION_VALUE="4.18.10"
 BR2_LINUX_KERNEL_USE_CUSTOM_CONFIG=y
 BR2_LINUX_KERNEL_CUSTOM_CONFIG_FILE="board/pc/linux.config"
 BR2_LINUX_KERNEL_INSTALL_TARGET=y
+BR2_LINUX_KERNEL_NEEDS_HOST_OPENSSL=y
 
 # Firmware
 BR2_PACKAGE_LINUX_FIRMWARE=y