diff --git a/block/elevator.c b/block/elevator.c
index 1d0759178e4b..e8025b2ec54a 100644
--- a/block/elevator.c
+++ b/block/elevator.c
@@ -149,6 +149,13 @@ static void elevator_setup_default(void)
 	if (!chosen_elevator[0])
 		strcpy(chosen_elevator, CONFIG_DEFAULT_IOSCHED);
 
+	/*
+	 * Be backwards-compatible with previous kernels, so users
+	 * won't get the wrong elevator.
+	 */
+	if (!strcmp(chosen_elevator, "as"))
+		strcpy(chosen_elevator, "anticipatory");
+
  	/*
  	 * If the given scheduler is not available, fall back to no-op.
  	 */