diff --git a/lisp/emacs-lisp/package.el b/lisp/emacs-lisp/package.el
index 01826da273d..7eb185e7042 100644
--- a/lisp/emacs-lisp/package.el
+++ b/lisp/emacs-lisp/package.el
@@ -927,7 +927,9 @@ package--get-activatable-pkg
                               (package-vc-p p2)
                               ;; Prefer builtin packages.
                               (package-disabled-p p1 v1)
-                              (not (package-disabled-p p2 v2))))))))
+                              (not (package-disabled-p p2 v2))
+                              ;; Prever newer packages
+                              (version-list-< v2 v1)))))))
     ;; Check if PACKAGE is available in `package-alist'.
     (while
         (when pkg-descs