LG’s monitors come with an unwanted addition for Windows: McAfee pop-up ads
LG monitors are silently installing an unwanted Windows app that has begun bombarding users with pop-up adverts for McAfee antivirus and LG's own software. Investigators at Gamers Nexus found that connecting a new LG UltraGear monitor to a Windows 11 PC triggers Windows Update to install LG drivers and the "LG Monitor App Installer" without any permission prompt or notification, and the app then pushes intrusive ad pop-ups rather than offering any genuine monitor controls. The issue matters because it exploits a Microsoft feature intended for legitimate hardware support tools, turning it into a channel for unsolicited advertising and raising fresh privacy concerns about a manufacturer many buyers would not expect to be pushing third-party ads.
Reports of LG's app auto-installing date back to 2024, but the fresh scrutiny follows Reddit complaints about large pop-ups appearing on-screen, which Gamers Nexus saw on 31 of 32 test bootups. The app's Windows Store listing requires permission to use all system resources and access the internet, while LG's linked privacy policy discloses collection of device data, internet activity and geolocation, all without explicit user consent. Dell has a similar auto-install practice for its Alienware software, but without the same advert spam. Affected users can block the installation via a group policy setting on Windows Pro, or by disabling automatic manufacturer app downloads in Advanced system settings on Windows Home.
In short
- LG monitors auto-install a Windows app pushing McAfee and LG pop-up ads
- App installs silently via Windows Update with no user consent
- Users can block it via group policy or Windows Advanced settings
Explained simply
LG's computer monitors include automatic software that installs itself on Windows PCs without user permission. When you connect one to Windows 11, the system automatically downloads monitor drivers as intended, but LG's Monitor App Installer also gets installed alongside them, and this app displays pop-up adverts.
The adverts promote McAfee antivirus and other LG products during computer use. This raises concerns because the app collects personal data including device information and location without explicit user consent. The practice also uses Windows Update, a Microsoft system intended for legitimate security and driver updates, to install advertising software.
LG's auto-installing software has been present for at least two years, with reports first emerging in 2024. Dell has implemented a similar automatic installation system for its Alienware monitors, though without the same volume of advertisements. Users can prevent the installation by adjusting system settings, though the method differs between Windows Home and Windows Pro versions.
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