diff --git a/lib/gui/app/os/notification.js b/lib/gui/app/os/notification.js
index f7499c6b..c85c589d 100644
--- a/lib/gui/app/os/notification.js
+++ b/lib/gui/app/os/notification.js
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 'use strict'
 
 const electron = require('electron')
+const settings = require('../models/settings')
 
 /**
  * @summary Send a notification
@@ -41,6 +42,11 @@ const electron = require('electron')
  * });
  */
 exports.send = (title, options) => {
+  // Bail out if desktop notifications are disabled
+  if (!settings.get('desktopNotifications')) {
+    return null
+  }
+
   // `app.dock` is only defined in OS X
   if (electron.remote.app.dock) {
     electron.remote.app.dock.bounce()
diff --git a/lib/shared/store.js b/lib/shared/store.js
index 2975b339..d4d1be29 100644
--- a/lib/shared/store.js
+++ b/lib/shared/store.js
@@ -104,7 +104,8 @@ const DEFAULT_STATE = Immutable.fromJS({
     updatesEnabled: packageJSON.updates.enabled && !_.includes([ 'rpm', 'deb' ], packageJSON.packageType),
     includeUnstableUpdateChannel: !release.isStableRelease(packageJSON.version),
     lastSleptUpdateNotifier: null,
-    lastSleptUpdateNotifierVersion: null
+    lastSleptUpdateNotifierVersion: null,
+    desktopNotifications: true
   }
 })