diff --git a/python/qemu/machine.py b/python/qemu/machine.py
index 7a40f4604b..6e44bda337 100644
--- a/python/qemu/machine.py
+++ b/python/qemu/machine.py
@@ -337,12 +337,12 @@ class QEMUMachine:
             self._qmp.close()
             self._qmp_connection = None
 
-        self._load_io_log()
-
         if self._qemu_log_file is not None:
             self._qemu_log_file.close()
             self._qemu_log_file = None
 
+        self._load_io_log()
+
         self._qemu_log_path = None
 
         if self._temp_dir is not None: