In an elevator installation an elevator cage is movable along at least two guide rails and the elevator cage is equipped with a braking system. An elevator braking device includes a brake element, a force store, which is constructed to press the brake element against the brake surface, and an actuator, which can act on the brake element. A method of operating the braking device includes the actuator pressing, in a first operational setting, the brake element against the force of the force store away from the brake surface or to hold it at a spacing therefrom, and the actuator freeing, in a second operational setting, the brake element and allowing the force store to press the brake element against the brake surface.