diff --git a/RELEASE-NOTES-next b/RELEASE-NOTES-next
index 2f3c28d7c..91a386fb5 100644
--- a/RELEASE-NOTES-next
+++ b/RELEASE-NOTES-next
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ strongly encouraged to upgrade.
  │ Changes in i3 v4.20        │
  └────────────────────────────┘
 
+  • default config: use dex for XDG autostart
   • i3-nagbar: position on focused monitor by default
   • i3-nagbar: add option to position on primary monitor
   • alternate focusing tab/stack children-parent containers by clicking on their titlebars
diff --git a/etc/config b/etc/config
index ce22fd3d1..51902f080 100644
--- a/etc/config
+++ b/etc/config
@@ -17,6 +17,10 @@ font pango:monospace 8
 # text rendering and scalability on retina/hidpi displays (thanks to pango).
 #font pango:DejaVu Sans Mono 8
 
+# Start XDG autostart .desktop files using dex. See also
+# https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/XDG_Autostart
+exec --no-startup-id dex --autostart --environment i3
+
 # The combination of xss-lock, nm-applet and pactl is a popular choice, so
 # they are included here as an example. Modify as you see fit.
 
diff --git a/etc/config.keycodes b/etc/config.keycodes
index f76d5a714..11a7d46fd 100644
--- a/etc/config.keycodes
+++ b/etc/config.keycodes
@@ -18,6 +18,10 @@ font pango:monospace 8
 # text rendering and scalability on retina/hidpi displays (thanks to pango).
 #font pango:DejaVu Sans Mono 8
 
+# Start XDG autostart .desktop files using dex. See also
+# https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/XDG_Autostart
+exec --no-startup-id dex --autostart --environment i3
+
 # The combination of xss-lock, nm-applet and pactl is a popular choice, so
 # they are included here as an example. Modify as you see fit.