diff --git a/tmux.1 b/tmux.1
index bd346529..f62f00b2 100644
--- a/tmux.1
+++ b/tmux.1
@@ -1788,6 +1788,7 @@ will generate
 .Xr xterm 1 -style
 function key sequences; these have a number included to indicate modifiers such
 as Shift, Alt or Ctrl.
+The default is on.
 .El
 .It Xo Ic show-options
 .Op Fl g
diff --git a/tmux.c b/tmux.c
index d077aff6..30e1bc60 100644
--- a/tmux.c
+++ b/tmux.c
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@ main(int argc, char **argv)
 	options_set_number(wo, "window-status-current-bg", 8);
 	options_set_number(wo, "window-status-current-fg", 8);
 	options_set_number(wo, "window-status-fg", 8);
-	options_set_number(wo, "xterm-keys", 0);
+	options_set_number(wo, "xterm-keys", 1);
  	options_set_number(wo, "remain-on-exit", 0);
 	options_set_number(wo, "synchronize-panes", 0);