diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index b5f25905..b9a15afb 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -463,11 +463,6 @@ if test "x$enable_zram" = "xyes" \
         fi
     fi
 
-    # needs systemd
-    if test -z "$systemdsystemunitdir"; then
-        AC_MSG_ERROR([systemd is required for ZRAM support])
-    fi
-
     have_zram="yes"
 
     if test "$have_kbd" = "yes" -a "$have_swap" = "yes"; then