diff --git a/lib/classes/plugininfo/tool.php b/lib/classes/plugininfo/tool.php
index d4e24ba7b71..cc6ab3c5ad6 100644
--- a/lib/classes/plugininfo/tool.php
+++ b/lib/classes/plugininfo/tool.php
@@ -36,6 +36,15 @@ class tool extends base {
         return true;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Tools cannot be disabled.
+     *
+     * @return boolean
+     */
+    public function is_enabled() {
+        return true;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Return URL used for management of plugins of this type.
      * @return moodle_url