LG Electronics Silently Installs Adware on Windows 11 PCs

Reports from Gamers Nexus and users on Reddit indicate that LG Electronics is surreptitiously installing the LG Monitor App Installer on Windows 11 PCs via Windows Update. The software affects both older monitors and new high-end UltraGear models, such as the 34GX900A-B and 39GX950-B, installing without user notification or a way to decline.

Once active, the app triggers pop-up advertisements for McAfee Premium scam protection services during system boots. Cybersecurity analysts and Stephen B. Burke of Gamers Nexus noted that the app operates with runFullTrust permissions, allowing it to run outside the Windows AppContainer. The software requests extensive access to system resources, including geolocation, contacts, user credentials, and online activity.

To prevent the installation, users must manually adjust Windows group policy settings to disable the automatic download of applications associated with metadata.

Separately, LG's smart TV division has faced scrutiny over AI voice recognition terms that shift legal liability for unauthorized recordings to the consumer. This issue previously led to a May settlement with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to improve data collection transparency and opt-out procedures for users.