diff --git a/plinth/module_loader.py b/plinth/module_loader.py
index dd4edaff4..a8c0621db 100644
--- a/plinth/module_loader.py
+++ b/plinth/module_loader.py
@@ -28,6 +28,11 @@ def include_urls():
         _include_module_urls(module_import_path, module_name)
 
 
+def _is_module_essential(module):
+    """Return if a module is an essential module."""
+    return getattr(module, 'is_essential', False)
+
+
 def load_modules():
     """
     Read names of enabled modules in modules/enabled directory and
@@ -47,7 +52,10 @@ def load_modules():
 
     ordered_modules = []
     remaining_modules = dict(modules)  # Make a copy
-    for module_name in modules:
+    # Place all essential modules ahead of others in module load order
+    sorted_modules = sorted(
+        modules, key=lambda module: not _is_module_essential(modules[module]))
+    for module_name in sorted_modules:
         if module_name not in remaining_modules:
             continue