diff --git a/tmux.1 b/tmux.1
index 3c550876..6aedb51c 100644
--- a/tmux.1
+++ b/tmux.1
@@ -1803,7 +1803,7 @@ 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.
+The default is off.
 .El
 .It Xo Ic show-options
 .Op Fl g
diff --git a/tmux.c b/tmux.c
index de2f3d12..f3f764e1 100644
--- a/tmux.c
+++ b/tmux.c
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ 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", 1);
+	options_set_number(wo, "xterm-keys", 0);
  	options_set_number(wo, "remain-on-exit", 0);
 	options_set_number(wo, "synchronize-panes", 0);