diff --git a/hw/cpu/cluster.c b/hw/cpu/cluster.c
index 25f90702b1..6f5f037b3c 100644
--- a/hw/cpu/cluster.c
+++ b/hw/cpu/cluster.c
@@ -79,6 +79,9 @@ static void cpu_cluster_class_init(ObjectClass *klass, void *data)
 
     dc->props = cpu_cluster_properties;
     dc->realize = cpu_cluster_realize;
+
+    /* This is not directly for users, CPU children must be attached by code */
+    dc->user_creatable = false;
 }
 
 static const TypeInfo cpu_cluster_type_info = {