diff --git a/gnu/system/pam.scm b/gnu/system/pam.scm
index adc40c975f..a035a92e25 100644
--- a/gnu/system/pam.scm
+++ b/gnu/system/pam.scm
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ (define (pam-shepherd-service config)
             (provision '(pam))
             (requirement shepherd-requirements)
             (start #~(const #t))
-            (stop #~(const #t)))))))
+            (stop #~(const #f)))))))
 
 (define (extend-configuration initial extensions)
   "Extend INITIAL with NEW."