diff --git a/modules/juce_gui_basics/native/juce_win32_Windowing.cpp b/modules/juce_gui_basics/native/juce_win32_Windowing.cpp
index 37cfd6e01b..d34295ee5a 100644
--- a/modules/juce_gui_basics/native/juce_win32_Windowing.cpp
+++ b/modules/juce_gui_basics/native/juce_win32_Windowing.cpp
@@ -2356,7 +2356,8 @@ private:
                 if (doAppCommand (lParam))
                     return TRUE;
 
-                break;
+            case WM_MENUCHAR: // triggered when alt+something is pressed
+                return MNC_CLOSE << 16; // (avoids making the default system beep)
 
             //==============================================================================
             case WM_SETFOCUS: