diff --git a/e2e/tests-dfx/install.bash b/e2e/tests-dfx/install.bash
index 459e8edbe8..27fed3eff6 100644
--- a/e2e/tests-dfx/install.bash
+++ b/e2e/tests-dfx/install.bash
@@ -183,12 +183,18 @@ teardown() {
 }
 
 @test "installing one canister with an argument succeeds" {
+  dfx_start
+  use_asset_wasm 0.12.1
+  assert_command dfx canister create e2e_project_backend
   assert_command dfx canister install e2e_project_backend --argument '()'
 }
 
 @test "installing with an argument in a file succeeds" {
+  dfx_start
+  use_asset_wasm 0.12.1
   TMPFILE="$(mktemp)"
   echo '()' >"$TMPFILE"
+  assert_command dfx canister create e2e_project_backend
   assert_command dfx canister install e2e_project_backend --argument-file "$TMPFILE"
 }