diff --git a/etc/NEWS b/etc/NEWS
index adc1085e745..0f4c6ae40f3 100644
--- a/etc/NEWS
+++ b/etc/NEWS
@@ -67,8 +67,9 @@ globally or for individual definitions.
 
 ** Enhanced xterm support
 
-*** New variable 'xterm-set-window-title' controls whether Emacs
-sets the XTerm window title.  The default is to set the window title.
+*** New variable 'xterm-set-window-title' controls whether Emacs sets
+the XTerm window title.  This feature is experimental and is disabled
+by default.
 
 
 * New Modes and Packages in Emacs 27.1
diff --git a/lisp/term/xterm.el b/lisp/term/xterm.el
index 6a17d382b0a..b7d0cfb4792 100644
--- a/lisp/term/xterm.el
+++ b/lisp/term/xterm.el
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ string bytes that can be copied is 3/4 of this value."
   :version "25.1"
   :type 'integer)
 
-(defcustom xterm-set-window-title t
+(defcustom xterm-set-window-title nil
   "Whether Emacs should set window titles to an Emacs frame in an XTerm."
   :version "27.1"
   :type 'boolean)