diff --git a/pw-uninstalled.sh b/pw-uninstalled.sh
index f411d2f72..c75c47f5e 100755
--- a/pw-uninstalled.sh
+++ b/pw-uninstalled.sh
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ export GST_PLUGIN_PATH="${BUILDDIR}/src/gst/${GST_PLUGIN_PATH+":${GST_PLUGIN_PAT
 # the directory with card profiles and paths
 export ACP_PATHS_DIR="${SCRIPT_DIR}/spa/plugins/alsa/mixer/paths"
 export ACP_PROFILES_DIR="${SCRIPT_DIR}/spa/plugins/alsa/mixer/profile-sets"
+export PW_UNINSTALLED=1
 
 # FIXME: find a nice, shell-neutral way to specify a prompt
 ${SHELL}