diff --git a/.github/workflows/main.yml b/.github/workflows/main.yml
index 12a69b72..b000ae10 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/main.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/main.yml
@@ -74,6 +74,12 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           micromamba shell hook -s cmd.exe -p C:\Users\runneradmin\micromamba-root
 
+      - name: activate environment
+        if: ${{ runner.os != 'windows' }}
+        shell: bash -l {0}
+        run: |
+          micromamba activate xeus-cpp
+
       - name: install cxx compiler
         if: ${{ runner.os != 'windows' }}
         shell: bash -l {0}