Microsoft responds to LG monitors forcibly installing McAfee ads on Windows
Users have discovered that expensive LG monitors are installing adware via Windows Update without permission, raising privacy concerns.
A growing number of users are complaining that their LG monitors are silently installing the “LG Monitor App Installer” through Windows Update, which then displays McAfee advertisements. This issue affects even monitors costing over $1,000, making it not only disruptive but also a serious privacy concern.
According to reports, the installed app gains permission to use “all system resources” and can collect geolocation, device data, online activity, contacts, user credentials, and transaction history. This data is gathered without the user's explicit consent, contradicting data protection principles.
Particularly troubling is that this practice has been ongoing for years and has recently expanded. One user reported seeing the ads on an LG monitor purchased three years ago. In many cases, the app is installed via Windows Update without any user interaction.
Microsoft, for its part, allows such practices. According to the company's developer support page, Windows permits automatic installation of device companion apps from the Microsoft Store if the user did not opt out of Recommended Settings during installation, is connected to the internet, and signed into the Microsoft Store. However, this automatic installation does not notify the user, which can lead to frustration.
LG has not yet provided an official comment, despite media inquiries. Meanwhile, similar practices exist among other hardware manufacturers, including Razer, Logitech, Asus, and Gigabyte. However, given that most monitors do not require companion apps, LG’s actions are seen as particularly aggressive.
Specific monitor models are known to be affected, and users are advised to check their systems for unwanted installations.
