LG has agreed to stop showing pop-up ads for McAfee on its monitors. This decision came after Microsoft stepped in and users complained about unwanted ads. The ads appeared through the LG Monitor App Installer, which installs itself automatically on Windows 11 PCs connected to LG monitors.
The LG Monitor App Installer began showing pop-ups promoting McAfee trial software and other LG apps. Most of the pop-ups were McAfee ads. Gamers Nexus, a tech testing site, bought an LG UltraGear 3GX900A-B gaming monitor for $1,200 and confirmed these ads appeared on multiple Windows 11 machines. Interestingly, the monitor’s price dropped to $600 just two days later.
Users raised concerns because the LG Monitor App Installer installs itself via Windows Update without explicit permission. Microsoft allows device apps to install automatically when new hardware connects, unless users opt out. This practice is common among hardware makers, including Razer, Logitech, Asus, and Gigabyte, who have faced similar criticism for automatic software installs.
Microsoft’s Role and LG’s Response
Microsoft intervened to stop the ads from bombarding Windows 11 users with LG monitors. Pavan Davuluri, EVP of Windows and devices at Microsoft, said, “We’ve connected with the team at LG and as an immediate next step, they have agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up from their app.”
LG clarified that McAfee does not install automatically. The Monitor App Installer only offers McAfee as an option during setup. Users must actively choose to install it and give explicit consent. LG stated, “Under no circumstances is McAfee installed automatically or without user authorization.”
What the LG Monitor App Installer Does
This app installs itself by default when you connect an LG monitor to a Windows PC. It’s intended to help users install apps supported by their monitor. Besides McAfee, it promotes other LG apps through pop-ups.
LG emphasized that the app does not access, collect, or transmit customer personal data. However, it can collect device data, internet activity, and geolocation if users allow it. The app also asks for permission to use system resources and internet access to work properly.
Gamers Nexus identified several LG monitors that auto-install this app. The list includes models like 34GX900A-B, 45GX950-B.AEU, 32GS95UE-B, 39GX950B, 27GP83B-B, 27GN800, 32GS95UE-B, and 27GN850-B. These models have been installing the Monitor App Installer on Windows computers for months, with reports starting in early 2024.
This situation highlights how hardware companies bundle software with devices. It also shows the fine line between helpful apps and unwanted spam. Microsoft’s involvement pressured LG to end the McAfee pop-up ads, improving the user experience for LG monitor owners on Windows 11.
Based on
- LG promises to stop McAfee spam ads following pressure from Microsoft — engadget.com
- Microsoft pressures LG into killing unwanted McAfee ads | The Verge — theverge.com
- LG’s monitors come with an unwanted addition for Windows: McAfee pop-up ads | The Verge — theverge.com
- Microsoft responds to LG monitors installing McAfee ads on Windows – Ars Technica — arstechnica.com
- Yeah, Fuck LG. | The Verge — theverge.com
