Hi FLAM,
I am not with Laminar Research; just a flight simmer.
Yes you can download the latest version yourself at any time whether it be a Beta version or general release version
My understanding is that automatic download will not happen unless you tick a checkbox that asks the question about downloading a beta version or updating to the latest version. It is a self help system as some flight simmers don't want the Beta version but the final release version. The current 11.20 version also has a check box to be ticked(?) if you want to utilize the VR headset facility. I am not able to confirm the upgrade/update methodology as my system is currently mothballed.
Hope this helps
Glenn