diff --git a/src/cli/doctor.rs b/src/cli/doctor.rs
index 2a575e9e2..f5fda8a72 100644
--- a/src/cli/doctor.rs
+++ b/src/cli/doctor.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ use crate::output::Output;
 use crate::plugins::PluginType;
 use crate::shell::ShellType;
 use crate::toolset::ToolsetBuilder;
-use crate::{cli, cmd};
+use crate::{cli, cmd, dirs};
 use crate::{duration, env};
 
 /// Check rtx installation for possible problems.
@@ -62,12 +62,15 @@ impl Command for Doctor {
             ));
         }
 
-        if !config.is_activated() {
+        if !config.is_activated() && !shims_on_path() {
             let cmd = style("rtx help activate").yellow().for_stderr();
             let url = style("https://rtx.pub").underlined().for_stderr();
+            let shims = style(dirs::SHIMS.display()).cyan().for_stderr();
             checks.push(formatdoc!(
                 r#"rtx is not activated, run {cmd} or
-                   read documentation at {url} for activation instructions"#
+                   read documentation at {url} for activation instructions.
+                   Alternatively, add the shims directory {shims} to PATH.
+                   Using the shims directory is preferred for non-interactive setups."#
             ));
         }
 
@@ -87,6 +90,10 @@ impl Command for Doctor {
     }
 }
 
+fn shims_on_path() -> bool {
+    env::PATH.contains(&*dirs::SHIMS)
+}
+
 fn rtx_data_dir() -> String {
     let mut s = style("rtx data directory:\n").bold().to_string();
     s.push_str(&format!("  {}\n", env::RTX_DATA_DIR.to_string_lossy()));