diff --git a/core/core-packages.el b/core/core-packages.el
index 3bc7ce7a5..b678d8c3f 100644
--- a/core/core-packages.el
+++ b/core/core-packages.el
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ their `package!' declarations, which is simpler than lockfiles, where version
 management would be done in a whole new file that users shouldn't have to deal
 with.")
 
-(defvar doom-core-packages '(straight use-package async)
+(defvar doom-core-packages '(straight use-package)
   "A list of packages that must be installed (and will be auto-installed if
 missing) and shouldn't be deleted.")
 
diff --git a/core/packages.el b/core/packages.el
index 8535a023a..13da63a94 100644
--- a/core/packages.el
+++ b/core/packages.el
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 
 ;; core.el
 (package! auto-minor-mode)
+(package! async)
 (package! gcmh)
 
 ;; core-ui.el