diff --git a/src/system/boot/loader/elf.cpp b/src/system/boot/loader/elf.cpp
index ac1e4eeaa9..0337396538 100644
--- a/src/system/boot/loader/elf.cpp
+++ b/src/system/boot/loader/elf.cpp
@@ -32,6 +32,9 @@ void
 elf_init()
 {
 	void *settings = load_driver_settings("kernel");
+	if (settings == NULL)
+		return;
+
 	sLoadElfSymbols = !get_driver_boolean_parameter(settings, "load_symbols",
 		false, false);
 	unload_driver_settings(settings);