diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 281063a..88d0d45 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -318,13 +318,19 @@
           "type": "number",
           "default": 1500,
           "description": "%makecode.configuration.simWatcherDebounceDescription%"
+        },
+        "makecode.showExplorerWelcomeMessage": {
+          "type": "boolean",
+          "default": true,
+          "description": "%makecode.configuration.showExplorerWelcomeMessage%"
         }
       }
     },
     "viewsWelcome": [
       {
         "view": "workbench.explorer.emptyView",
-        "contents": "%makecode.viewsWelcome.welcomeMessage%"
+        "contents": "%makecode.viewsWelcome.welcomeMessage%",
+        "when": "makecode.showExplorerWelcomeMessage"
       }
     ]
   },
diff --git a/package.nls.json b/package.nls.json
index ec52900..f94f8e3 100644
--- a/package.nls.json
+++ b/package.nls.json
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
   "makecode.songExplorer.title": "Songs",
   "makecode.configuration.showCompileDescription": "Show a notification after compiling a MakeCode project.",
   "makecode.configuration.simWatcherDebounceDescription": "Controls the timeout in milliseconds between a file being saved and the simulator being rebuilt.",
+  "makecode.configuration.showExplorerWelcomeMessage": "Shows a link to the MakeCode Arcade docs in the explorer when no project is open.",
   "makecode.viewsWelcome.welcomeMessage": "You need to open a folder to use the MakeCode Arcade extension!\n[Open Arcade Docs](command:makecode.openHelpDocs)",
   "makecode.openHelpDocs.title": "Open Arcade Docs",
   "makecode.testBlocks.title": "Test extension in blocks editor"