diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index e5663ec9..fdccdfae 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
     },
     "scripts": {
         "lint": "eslint . --report-unused-disable-directives",
-        "postinstall": "node tests/patch-esmock.js",
+        "prepare": "node tests/patch-esmock.js",
         "release:generate:latest": "eslint-generate-release",
         "release:generate:alpha": "eslint-generate-prerelease alpha",
         "release:generate:beta": "eslint-generate-prerelease beta",
diff --git a/tests/patch-esmock.js b/tests/patch-esmock.js
index 36379a36..c0749c05 100644
--- a/tests/patch-esmock.js
+++ b/tests/patch-esmock.js
@@ -11,6 +11,11 @@ import { promises as fs } from "fs";
 // 111 is the ABI version number of Node.js 19: https://nodejs.org/en/download/releases
 if (process.versions.modules < 111) {
     (async () => {
+        try {
+            await fs.access("node_modules/esmock_legacy");
+        } catch {
+            return;
+        }
         await fs.rmdir("node_modules/esmock", { recursive: true });
         await fs.rename("node_modules/esmock_legacy", "node_modules/esmock");
     })();