diff --git a/frappe/core/doctype/user/user.py b/frappe/core/doctype/user/user.py
index 9c127d9eca..531fd316b1 100644
--- a/frappe/core/doctype/user/user.py
+++ b/frappe/core/doctype/user/user.py
@@ -163,6 +163,9 @@ class User(Document):
 		toggle_notifications(self.name, enable=cint(self.enabled))
 
 	def add_system_manager_role(self):
+		if self.is_system_manager_disabled():
+			return
+
 		# if adding system manager, do nothing
 		if not cint(self.enabled) or (
 			"System Manager" in [user_role.role for user_role in self.get("roles")]
@@ -189,6 +192,9 @@ class User(Document):
 				],
 			)
 
+	def is_system_manager_disabled(self):
+		return frappe.db.get_value("Role", {"name": "System Manager"}, ["disabled"])
+
 	def email_new_password(self, new_password=None):
 		if new_password and not self.flags.in_insert:
 			_update_password(user=self.name, pwd=new_password, logout_all_sessions=self.logout_all_sessions)
@@ -372,6 +378,9 @@ class User(Document):
 		)
 
 	def a_system_manager_should_exist(self):
+		if self.is_system_manager_disabled():
+			return
+
 		if not self.get_other_system_managers():
 			throw(_("There should remain at least one System Manager"))