diff --git a/qubes/backup.py b/qubes/backup.py
index ba927386..35a03d92 100644
--- a/qubes/backup.py
+++ b/qubes/backup.py
@@ -705,8 +705,6 @@ class Backup(object):
             vm.features['backup-content'] = False
 
         for qid, vm_info in files_to_backup.items():
-            if qid != 0 and vm_info.vm.is_running():
-                raise qubes.exc.QubesVMNotHaltedError(vm_info.vm)
             # VM is included in the backup
             backup_app.domains[qid].features['backup-content'] = True
             backup_app.domains[qid].features['backup-path'] = vm_info.subdir