Since 2024, certain LG monitors such as the UltraGear 34GX900A-B gaming monitor, priced around $1,200, have automatically installed an app called "LG Monitor App Installer" onto connected Windows 11 PCs via Windows Update without explicit user consent [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The app shows persistent pop-up ads promoting a 30-day free trial for McAfee antivirus and occasionally advertises other LG software like LG Switch, LG Calibration Studio, LG Dual Controller, and LG Channels [1, 2, 4, 5]. These ads appear every time the computer boots, leading to widespread frustration and complaints on Reddit, YouTube, and other social media platforms [1, 4, 5].
The LG Monitor App Installer is granted high system privileges, including access to all system resources and internet connection upon installation [3, 4]. Though this issue has affected monitors dating back to 2024, it gained renewed attention when Gamers Nexus published a July 2026 video showing the UltraGear 34GX900A-B install the app via Windows Update without user permission and push McAfee ads [1, 3, 4]. Following user backlash, Microsoft intervened and worked with LG to disable the McAfee pop-up ads from the app, with Microsoft’s Pavan Davuluri stating, "LG agreed to disable the McAfee pop-up from their app" and emphasizing efforts to improve user experience [1, 2, 5].
LG has maintained that McAfee is never installed automatically and only with explicit user consent, asserting that the LG Monitor App Installer is distributed through Microsoft's official Windows process where McAfee is offered as an opt-in option. LG’s statement said, "McAfee will be installed only if a user actively chooses to proceed with the installation and provides consent[ s2 ]." Despite the removal of McAfee ads, concerns remain over the automatic installation of ad-pushing software without explicit user approval [1, 3].
Privacy worries have also surfaced around LG’s software user agreements, which include clauses requiring users to notify household members of potential compliance with wiretapping and privacy laws. LG denies that its devices record or collect audio unless voice recognition is explicitly enabled by users [3, 4]. However, users and investigators like Tom Warren have criticized LG for pushing ads on smart TVs at startup even when promotion settings are disabled, with Warren saying, "Honestly, fuck LG for adding these notifications at startup on their TVs... I’ll never ever own anything LG ever again [4]."
Similar behavior has been reported from other manufacturers, including Dell automatically installing the Alienware Command Center app on Windows PCs connected to Alienware monitors [2, 4]. The LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B's price briefly dropped to $600 amid the controversy [1].
The next step involves monitoring whether LG will change its software distribution practices and how Microsoft’s oversight of preinstalled OEM software evolves to prevent unwanted apps and ads in Windows Update.
