diff --git a/tests/helper/src/java/com/android/microdroid/test/device/MicrodroidDeviceTestBase.java b/tests/helper/src/java/com/android/microdroid/test/device/MicrodroidDeviceTestBase.java
index b98531d..072768c 100644
--- a/tests/helper/src/java/com/android/microdroid/test/device/MicrodroidDeviceTestBase.java
+++ b/tests/helper/src/java/com/android/microdroid/test/device/MicrodroidDeviceTestBase.java
@@ -393,6 +393,10 @@
             return mProcessedBootTimeMetrics;
         }
 
+        // Stopping a virtual machine is like pulling the plug on a real computer. VM may be left in
+        // an inconsistent state.
+        // For a graceful shutdown, request the payload to call {@code exit()} and wait for
+        // VirtualMachineCallback#onPayloadFinished} to be called.
         protected void forceStop(VirtualMachine vm) {
             try {
                 vm.stop();
@@ -721,7 +725,6 @@
                     public void onPayloadFinished(VirtualMachine vm, int exitCode) {
                         Log.i(logTag, "onPayloadFinished: " + exitCode);
                         payloadFinished.complete(true);
-                        forceStop(vm);
                     }
                 };