diff --git a/metricbeat/Makefile b/metricbeat/Makefile
index d0c8ec893e2..93d58a80a5f 100644
--- a/metricbeat/Makefile
+++ b/metricbeat/Makefile
@@ -57,6 +57,11 @@ imports:
 # This is called by the beats packer before building starts
 .PHONY: before-build
 before-build:
+	# disable the system/load metricset on windows
+	sed -i.bk 's/- load/#- load/' $(PREFIX)/metricbeat-win.yml
+	rm $(PREFIX)/metricbeat-win.yml.bk
+	sed -i.bk 's/- load/#- load/' $(PREFIX)/metricbeat-win.full.yml
+	rm $(PREFIX)/metricbeat-win.full.yml.bk
 
 # Runs all collection steps and updates afterwards
 .PHONY: collect