diff --git a/modules/prepare/main.py b/modules/prepare/main.py
index 8b2a901..dfeda02 100644
--- a/modules/prepare/main.py
+++ b/modules/prepare/main.py
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ def run():
     - Initialize and populate pacman keyring so we can install
       packages later.
     - Install the kernel which is not included in the image.
-    - Remove live media packages.
     - Remove sudo configuration for the installer.
     - Rewrite os-release.
 
diff --git a/settings.conf b/settings.conf
index 7c2df46..ea26987 100644
--- a/settings.conf
+++ b/settings.conf
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ sequence:
 #  - luksopenswaphookcfg
   - initcpiocfg
   - prepare
+  - packages
   - initcpio
   - removeuser
   - users
diff --git a/settings/packages.conf b/settings/packages.conf
index 4b08b24..51f40da 100644
--- a/settings/packages.conf
+++ b/settings/packages.conf
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 #
 backend: pacman
 
-update_db: true
+update_db: false
 
 #
 # List of maps with package operations such as install or remove.
@@ -30,8 +30,6 @@ update_db: true
 # after the static list in the job configuration.
 #
 operations:
-  - install:
-      - linux
   - remove:
-      - liri-calamares-branding-git
-      - calamares
+    - liri-calamares-branding-git
+    - calamares