diff --git a/Lib/idlelib/configdialog.py b/Lib/idlelib/configdialog.py
index 8e478d743fb767..dfb233e5622dc8 100644
--- a/Lib/idlelib/configdialog.py
+++ b/Lib/idlelib/configdialog.py
@@ -80,11 +80,10 @@ def __init__(self, parent, title='', *, _htest=False, _utest=False):
         self.transient(parent)
         self.protocol("WM_DELETE_WINDOW", self.cancel)
         self.fontpage.fontlist.focus_set()
-        # XXX Decide whether to keep or delete these key bindings.
         # Key bindings for this dialog.
-        # self.bind('<Escape>', self.Cancel) #dismiss dialog, no save
-        # self.bind('<Alt-a>', self.Apply) #apply changes, save
-        # self.bind('<F1>', self.Help) #context help
+        self.bind('<Escape>', self.cancel)  # Dismiss dialog, no save
+        self.bind('<Alt-a>', self.apply)  # Apply changes, save
+        self.bind('<F1>', self.help)  # Context help
         # Attach callbacks after loading config to avoid calling them.
         tracers.attach()
 
@@ -176,14 +175,15 @@ def ok(self):
         self.apply()
         self.destroy()
 
-    def apply(self):
-        """Apply config changes and leave dialog open."""
+    def apply(self, event=None):
+        """Apply config changes and leave dialog open.
+        """
         self.deactivate_current_config()
         changes.save_all()
         self.extpage.save_all_changed_extensions()
         self.activate_config_changes()
 
-    def cancel(self):
+    def cancel(self, event=None):
         """Dismiss config dialog.
 
         Methods:
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ def destroy(self):
         self.grab_release()
         super().destroy()
 
-    def help(self):
+    def help(self, event=None):
         """Create textview for config dialog help.
 
         Attributes accessed:
diff --git a/Misc/NEWS.d/next/IDLE/2020-04-24-18-57-25.bpo-27620.gev438.rst b/Misc/NEWS.d/next/IDLE/2020-04-24-18-57-25.bpo-27620.gev438.rst
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000000..245be256d26264
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Misc/NEWS.d/next/IDLE/2020-04-24-18-57-25.bpo-27620.gev438.rst
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+The escape key now closes IDLE's config dialog as canceled.