diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 3621f03..cda8749 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ $(iso): $(kernel) $(grub_cfg)
 	@rm -r build/isofiles
 
 $(kernel): kernel $(rust_os) $(assembly_object_files) $(linker_script)
-	@ld -n -T $(linker_script) -o $(kernel) \
+	@ld -n --gc-sections -T $(linker_script) -o $(kernel) \
 		$(assembly_object_files) $(rust_os)
 
 kernel:
diff --git a/src/arch/x86_64/linker.ld b/src/arch/x86_64/linker.ld
index 5d788f1..2542055 100644
--- a/src/arch/x86_64/linker.ld
+++ b/src/arch/x86_64/linker.ld
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ SECTIONS {
     .boot :
     {
         /* ensure that the multiboot header is at the beginning */
-        *(.multiboot_header)
+        KEEP(*(.multiboot_header))
     }
 
     .text :