diff --git a/gnu/services/desktop.scm b/gnu/services/desktop.scm
index 265cf9f35f..6b7d832a44 100644
--- a/gnu/services/desktop.scm
+++ b/gnu/services/desktop.scm
@@ -770,7 +770,8 @@ seats.)"
                    #:environment-variables
                    (list (string-append "ELOGIND_CONF_FILE="
                                         #$(elogind-configuration-file
-                                           config)))))
+                                           config)))
+                   #:pid-file "/run/systemd/elogind.pid"))
          (stop #~(make-kill-destructor)))))
 
 (define elogind-service-type