diff --git a/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py b/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py
index a1bdb5f4d9c..a4abe0abf6d 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ description:
 options:
   decrypt:
     description: A boolean to indicate whether to decrypt the parameter.
-    default: false
+    default: true
     type: boolean
   bypath:
     description: A boolean to indicate whether the parameter is provided as a hierarchy.