diff --git a/nixos/modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-base.nix b/nixos/modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-base.nix
index 07c054b391af..74a2f50f027b 100644
--- a/nixos/modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-base.nix
+++ b/nixos/modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-base.nix
@@ -29,8 +29,9 @@ with pkgs.lib;
   boot.kernel.sysctl."vm.overcommit_memory" = "1";
 
   # To speed up installation a little bit, include the complete stdenv
-  # in the Nix store on the CD.
-  isoImage.storeContents = [ pkgs.stdenv pkgs.busybox ];
+  # in the Nix store on the CD.  Archive::Cpio is needed for the
+  # initrd builder.
+  isoImage.storeContents = [ pkgs.stdenv pkgs.busybox pkgs.perlPackages.ArchiveCpio ];
 
   # EFI booting
   isoImage.makeEfiBootable = true;