diff --git a/plugins/modules/docker_compose.py b/plugins/modules/docker_compose.py
index a1b2f85..e02cb7e 100644
--- a/plugins/modules/docker_compose.py
+++ b/plugins/modules/docker_compose.py
@@ -786,7 +786,7 @@ class ContainerManager(DockerBaseClass):
                         )
                     result["actions"].append(result_action)
 
-        if not self.check_mode and result["changed"]:
+        if not self.check_mode and result["changed"] and not self.stopped:
             out_redir_name, err_redir_name = make_redirection_tempfiles()
             try:
                 with stdout_redirector(out_redir_name):
@@ -800,8 +800,7 @@ class ContainerManager(DockerBaseClass):
                             do_build=do_build,
                             detached=detached,
                             remove_orphans=self.remove_orphans,
-                            timeout=self.timeout,
-                            start=not self.stopped
+                            timeout=self.timeout
                         )
             except Exception as exc:
                 fail_reason = get_failure_info(