diff --git a/src/doomdef.h b/src/doomdef.h
index b1ce0b79c..22d98d792 100644
--- a/src/doomdef.h
+++ b/src/doomdef.h
@@ -157,7 +157,9 @@ extern char logfilename[1024];
 // the other options the same.
 
 // Comment out this line to completely disable update alerts (recommended for testing, but not for release)
+#ifndef BETAVERSION
 #define UPDATE_ALERT
+#endif
 
 // The string used in the alert that pops up in the event of an update being available.
 // Please change to apply to your modification (we don't want everyone asking where your mod is on SRB2.org!).
diff --git a/src/m_menu.c b/src/m_menu.c
index d09ce6087..9b538c66a 100644
--- a/src/m_menu.c
+++ b/src/m_menu.c
@@ -11227,6 +11227,7 @@ Check_new_version_thread (int *id)
 			GetRoomsList(hosting, *id);
 		}
 	}
+#ifdef UPDATE_ALERT
 	else
 	{
 		I_lock_mutex(&ms_QueryId_mutex);
@@ -11235,6 +11236,7 @@ Check_new_version_thread (int *id)
 		}
 		I_unlock_mutex(ms_QueryId_mutex);
 	}
+#endif
 
 	if (okay)
 	{