diff --git a/conanfile.py b/conanfile.py
index b4ca324d0..9f51a1309 100644
--- a/conanfile.py
+++ b/conanfile.py
@@ -220,8 +220,8 @@ def layout(self):
 
     def generate(self):
         tc = CMakeToolchain(self)
+        tc.absolute_paths = True  # only needed for CMake CI
         if self._build_all:
-            tc.absolute_paths = True  # only needed for CMake CI
             tc.cache_variables["CMAKE_EXPORT_COMPILE_COMMANDS"] = True
             tc.cache_variables["CMAKE_VERIFY_INTERFACE_HEADER_SETS"] = True
             tc.cache_variables["MP_UNITS_DEV_BUILD_LA"] = not self._skip_la