diff --git a/addons/common/functions/fnc_checkFiles.sqf b/addons/common/functions/fnc_checkFiles.sqf
index ecbcb910e8..e80d18e5b1 100644
--- a/addons/common/functions/fnc_checkFiles.sqf
+++ b/addons/common/functions/fnc_checkFiles.sqf
@@ -61,6 +61,9 @@ _addons = [_addons, {_this find "ace_" == 0}] call FUNC(filter);
 // check server version/addons
 ///////////////
 if (isMultiplayer) then {
+    // don't check optional addons
+    _addons = [_addons, {getNumber (configFile >> "CfgPatches" >> _this >> "ACE_isOptional") != 1}] call FUNC(filter);
+
     if (isServer) then {
         // send servers version of ACE to all clients
         GVAR(ServerVersion) = _version;
diff --git a/optionals/noactionmenu/config.cpp b/optionals/noactionmenu/config.cpp
index 3477258612..763665660b 100644
--- a/optionals/noactionmenu/config.cpp
+++ b/optionals/noactionmenu/config.cpp
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 class CfgPatches {
     class ADDON {
+        ACE_isOptional = 1;
         units[] = {};
         weapons[] = {};
         requiredVersion = REQUIRED_VERSION;