diff --git a/core/qubes.py b/core/qubes.py
index 2e21d6f7..2fcbb8d7 100755
--- a/core/qubes.py
+++ b/core/qubes.py
@@ -492,7 +492,8 @@ class QubesVmCollection(dict):
         fcntl.lockf (self.qubes_store_file, fcntl.LOCK_EX)
 
     def unlock_db(self):
-        fcntl.lockf (self.qubes_store_file, fcntl.LOCK_UN)
+        # intentionally do not call explicit unlock to not unlock the file
+        # before all buffers are flushed
         self.qubes_store_file.close()
 
     def save(self):