diff --git a/spyder/plugins/application/container.py b/spyder/plugins/application/container.py
index 40e6e5b6902..3bf7f2de04b 100644
--- a/spyder/plugins/application/container.py
+++ b/spyder/plugins/application/container.py
@@ -305,6 +305,7 @@ def _check_updates_ready(self):
                 header = _("<b>Spyder {} is available!</b> "
                            "<i>(you have {})</i><br><br>").format(
                     latest_release, __version__)
+                content = ""
                 footer = _(
                     "For more information, visit our "
                     "<a href=\"{}\">installation guide</a>."