diff --git a/src/output.c b/src/output.c
index cac848a..74e48c5 100644
--- a/src/output.c
+++ b/src/output.c
@@ -797,6 +797,7 @@ int kmscon_compositor_new(struct kmscon_compositor **out)
 		ret = -errno;
 		goto err_free;
 	}
+	drmDropMaster(comp->drm_fd);
 
 	comp->gbm = gbm_create_device(comp->drm_fd);
 	if (!comp->gbm) {