diff --git a/drivers/net/xen-netback/netback.c b/drivers/net/xen-netback/netback.c
index b588b1a08cd4..abc1381264fc 100644
--- a/drivers/net/xen-netback/netback.c
+++ b/drivers/net/xen-netback/netback.c
@@ -2114,8 +2114,11 @@ static int __init netback_init(void)
 	if (!xen_domain())
 		return -ENODEV;
 
-	/* Allow as many queues as there are CPUs, by default */
-	xenvif_max_queues = num_online_cpus();
+	/* Allow as many queues as there are CPUs if user has not
+	 * specified a value.
+	 */
+	if (xenvif_max_queues == 0)
+		xenvif_max_queues = num_online_cpus();
 
 	if (fatal_skb_slots < XEN_NETBK_LEGACY_SLOTS_MAX) {
 		pr_info("fatal_skb_slots too small (%d), bump it to XEN_NETBK_LEGACY_SLOTS_MAX (%d)\n",