Apple released another OS X Yosemite beta, and if you are not ready to jump back into beta testing, the constant update notifications can get old quickly.
I had the pre-release OS update seed showing up in Notification Center and in the App Store updates area, even though I wanted a break from the bugs and stability issues that come with running beta software.
Quick Answer
To stop Yosemite beta update notifications, open System Preferences, go to App Store, find the message that says your Mac is set to receive pre-release software update seeds, click Change, and choose Do Not Show Pre-Release Updates.
After you do that, the beta update should disappear from the updates list and you should stop getting prompted to install that pre-release build.
Why The Beta Update Keeps Appearing
If your Mac is enrolled in Apple’s developer beta seed program, OS X will keep checking for pre-release software updates. That is why you may see updates like a pre-release OS X update seed appear even when you are not actively looking for another beta.
This is useful when you are testing every new build, but it is annoying if you need your Mac to be more stable for a while. Betas can bring bugs, rough edges, and unexpected issues, so taking a break is sometimes the practical choice.
How To Turn Off Pre-Release Updates
The setting is tucked inside System Preferences under the App Store panel. You do not need to uninstall anything for this quick fix.
- Click the Apple menu.
- Open System Preferences.
- Choose App Store.
- Look for the message that says your computer is set to receive pre-release software update seeds.
- Click Change.
- Select Do Not Show Pre-Release Updates.
What Happens After You Change It
Once I selected Do Not Show Pre-Release Updates, the beta update disappeared from the updates area. That is the result you want if you are done seeing the Yosemite beta prompts for now.
This does not install the update, and it does not force you to stay on the beta track. It simply stops showing those pre-release update seeds through the normal software update flow.
Turning Beta Updates Back On
There is one caveat. If you want to start receiving developer beta updates again later, you need to go back through Apple’s developer process and add the certificate or enrollment profile again.
In other words, only turn this off if you really do want a break from the beta stream. If you are actively testing every seed, you may want to leave it enabled.
Key Takeaways
- Yosemite beta notifications appear because the Mac is set to receive pre-release software update seeds.
- You can disable them from System Preferences under App Store.
- Click Change next to the pre-release seed message, then choose Do Not Show Pre-Release Updates.
- The beta update should disappear from the updates list after the setting is changed.
- To receive developer beta updates again later, you will need to re-enroll through the developer path.
Watch the Video
The video above above if you want to see the exact System Preferences screen and the quick walkthrough of turning off Yosemite pre-release update notifications.
