diff --git a/tasks/build/install-k3s.yml b/tasks/build/install-k3s.yml
index f2fc34d..202aaf4 100644
--- a/tasks/build/install-k3s.yml
+++ b/tasks/build/install-k3s.yml
@@ -17,6 +17,11 @@
 - include_tasks: install-k3s-node.yml
   when: k3s_build_cluster
 
+- name: Determine if the systems are already clustered
+  ansible.builtin.stat:
+    path: "{{ k3s_token_location }}"
+  register: k3s_token_cluster_check
+
 - name: Ensure k3s initial control plane server is started
   ansible.builtin.systemd:
     name: k3s
@@ -29,4 +34,5 @@
     - not ansible_check_mode
   when: (k3s_control_node and k3s_controller_list | length == 1)
         or (k3s_primary_control_node and k3s_controller_list | length > 1)
+        or k3s_token_cluster_check.stat.exists
   become: "{{ k3s_become_for_systemd | ternary(true, false, k3s_become_for_all) }}"