diff --git a/.tmux.conf b/.tmux.conf
index 6ff0f15..96ee40e 100644
--- a/.tmux.conf
+++ b/.tmux.conf
@@ -24,6 +24,9 @@ set-option -g display-panes-colour colour166 #orange
 # clock
 set-window-option -g clock-mode-colour green #green
 
+# disable DISPLAY requirement when opening pane/window
+set-option -g update-environment "SSH_ASKPASS SSH_AUTH_SOCK SSH_AGENT_PID SSH_CONNECTION WINDOWID XAUTHORITY"
+
 set -g status-interval 1
 set -g status-justify centre # center align window list
 set -g status-left-length 20