A system and method for operating a hydraulic braking system) for motor vehicles with an electrically controllable pressure provision device), a high-pressure accumulator, which can be connected to the pressure provision device via a hydraulic connection), in which an electrically controllable shutoff valve is arranged, wheel brakes, which can be supplied with pressure medium by means of the pressure provision device and/or the high-pressure accumulator. An electronic control and regulating unit is provided for actuating the electrically controllable pressure provision device and/or the electrically controllable shutoff valve so as to regulate the hydraulic pressure which is provided by the pressure provision device and the high-pressure accumulator If a pressure buildup is carried out by activation of the pressure provision device, the high-pressure accumulator is connected only temporarily by at least partial opening of the shutoff valve.