diff --git a/hw/block/pflash_cfi01.c b/hw/block/pflash_cfi01.c
index db4a246b22..435be1e35c 100644
--- a/hw/block/pflash_cfi01.c
+++ b/hw/block/pflash_cfi01.c
@@ -777,7 +777,7 @@ static void pflash_cfi01_realize(DeviceState *dev, Error **errp)
     pfl->timer = timer_new_ns(QEMU_CLOCK_VIRTUAL, pflash_timer, pfl);
     pfl->wcycle = 0;
     pfl->cmd = 0;
-    pfl->status = 0;
+    pfl->status = 0x80; /* WSM ready */
     /* Hardcoded CFI table */
     /* Standard "QRY" string */
     pfl->cfi_table[0x10] = 'Q';