diff --git a/hosts/common/programs/assorted.nix b/hosts/common/programs/assorted.nix
index d08222f42..b1f945ebf 100644
--- a/hosts/common/programs/assorted.nix
+++ b/hosts/common/programs/assorted.nix
@@ -1190,18 +1190,9 @@ in
 
   sane.persist.sys.byStore.plaintext = lib.mkIf config.sane.programs.guiApps.enabled [
     # "/var/lib/alsa"                # preserve output levels, default devices
-    { path = "/var/lib/systemd/backlight"; method = "bind"; }   # backlight brightness; bind because systemd T_T
+    "/var/lib/systemd/backlight"     # backlight brightness
   ];
 
-  systemd.services."systemd-backlight@" = lib.mkIf config.sane.programs.guiApps.enabled {
-    after = [
-      "ensure-var-lib-systemd-backlight.service"
-    ];
-    wants = [
-      "ensure-var-lib-systemd-backlight.service"
-    ];
-  };
-
   hardware.graphics = lib.mkIf config.sane.programs.guiApps.enabled ({
     enable = true;
   } // (lib.optionalAttrs pkgs.stdenv.isx86_64 {