diff --git a/bundler/lib/bundler/cli.rb b/bundler/lib/bundler/cli.rb
index aa94ad2da0e9..8d9f3a5b7d2e 100644
--- a/bundler/lib/bundler/cli.rb
+++ b/bundler/lib/bundler/cli.rb
@@ -469,7 +469,7 @@ def cache
     map aliases_for("cache")
 
     desc "exec [OPTIONS]", "Run the command in context of the bundle"
-    method_option :keep_file_descriptors, :type => :boolean, :default => false
+    method_option :keep_file_descriptors, :type => :boolean, :default => true
     method_option :gemfile, :type => :string, :required => false
     long_desc <<-D
       Exec runs a command, providing it access to the gems in the bundle. While using