diff --git a/target/nios2/cpu.c b/target/nios2/cpu.c
index a0c3e97d72..7d734280d1 100644
--- a/target/nios2/cpu.c
+++ b/target/nios2/cpu.c
@@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ static void nios2_cpu_reset(DeviceState *dev)
 
 #if defined(CONFIG_USER_ONLY)
     /* Start in user mode with interrupts enabled. */
-    env->ctrl[CR_STATUS] = CR_STATUS_U | CR_STATUS_PIE;
+    env->ctrl[CR_STATUS] = CR_STATUS_RSIE | CR_STATUS_U | CR_STATUS_PIE;
 #else
-    env->ctrl[CR_STATUS] = 0;
+    env->ctrl[CR_STATUS] = CR_STATUS_RSIE;
 #endif
 }
 
@@ -127,6 +127,7 @@ static void realize_cr_status(CPUState *cs)
     WR_REG(CR_BADADDR);
 
     /* TODO: These control registers are not present with the EIC. */
+    RO_FIELD(CR_STATUS, RSIE);
     WR_REG(CR_IENABLE);
     RO_REG(CR_IPENDING);