diff --git a/src/vs/workbench/contrib/terminal/common/terminalConfiguration.ts b/src/vs/workbench/contrib/terminal/common/terminalConfiguration.ts
index 3b2bebc9852..4fa660d22a6 100644
--- a/src/vs/workbench/contrib/terminal/common/terminalConfiguration.ts
+++ b/src/vs/workbench/contrib/terminal/common/terminalConfiguration.ts
@@ -186,9 +186,9 @@ const terminalConfiguration: IConfigurationNode = {
 			default: DEFAULT_LINE_HEIGHT
 		},
 		[TerminalSettingId.MinimumContrastRatio]: {
-			markdownDescription: localize('terminal.integrated.minimumContrastRatio', "When set the foreground color of each cell will change to try meet the contrast ratio specified. Example values:\n\n- 1: The default, do nothing.\n- 4.5: [WCAG AA compliance (minimum)](https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/visual-audio-contrast-contrast.html).\n- 7: [WCAG AAA compliance (enhanced)](https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/visual-audio-contrast7.html).\n- 21: White on black or black on white."),
+			markdownDescription: localize('terminal.integrated.minimumContrastRatio', "When set the foreground color of each cell will change to try meet the contrast ratio specified. Example values:\n\n- 1: Do nothing and use the standard theme colors.\n- 4.5: [WCAG AA compliance (minimum)](https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/visual-audio-contrast-contrast.html) (default).\n- 7: [WCAG AAA compliance (enhanced)](https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/visual-audio-contrast7.html).\n- 21: White on black or black on white."),
 			type: 'number',
-			default: 1
+			default: 4.5
 		},
 		[TerminalSettingId.FastScrollSensitivity]: {
 			markdownDescription: localize('terminal.integrated.fastScrollSensitivity', "Scrolling speed multiplier when pressing `Alt`."),