diff --git a/pytensor/compile/mode.py b/pytensor/compile/mode.py
index 5a5e0c9cdc..aa0e1b3e28 100644
--- a/pytensor/compile/mode.py
+++ b/pytensor/compile/mode.py
@@ -512,7 +512,7 @@ def get_mode(orig_string):
     if upper_string == "FAST_RUN":
         linker = config.linker
         if linker == "auto":
-            return CVM if config.cxx else VM
+            return NUMBA
         return fast_run_linkers_to_mode[linker]
 
     global _CACHED_RUNTIME_MODES