diff --git a/backend/x11/output.c b/backend/x11/output.c
index ea2d16fc9..e149403e3 100644
--- a/backend/x11/output.c
+++ b/backend/x11/output.c
@@ -250,6 +250,7 @@ static struct wlr_x11_buffer *create_x11_buffer(struct wlr_x11_output *output,
 		return NULL;
 	}
 	buffer->buffer = wlr_buffer_lock(wlr_buffer);
+	buffer->n_busy = 1;
 	buffer->pixmap = pixmap;
 	buffer->x11 = x11;
 	wl_list_insert(&output->buffers, &buffer->link);