diff --git a/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py b/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py
index fe4bd1d8b5a..0e85a26fc98 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/plugins/lookup/aws_ssm.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ 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.