Users reported on the Reddit platform that LG monitors unintentionally install advertising software (adware) through the LG Monitor App Installer.
Users reported on the Reddit platform that LG monitors unintentionally install advertising software (adware) through the LG Monitor App Installer.
According to reports, this adware is installed automatically via the Microsoft Store after an operating system update, without the user's consent. This issue apparently also affects Dell Alienware monitors.
The situation resembles encountering pre-installed software (bloatware) when setting up a new PC, such as a trial antivirus version. However, in this case, it happens after purchasing the monitor. The Reddit thread author mentioned discovering a pop-up window advertising McAfee antivirus upon startup and found that the adware originated from the LG Monitor App Installer.
This application is monitoring management software from the Korean brand. Nevertheless, as shown in the screenshot, it is also used to display advertisements to the user. Furthermore, the author specified that they did not voluntarily install the LG Monitor App Installer; the installation occurred automatically via the Microsoft Store after the OS update.
Although automatic downloading of drivers and additional applications with hardware during Windows setup is not problematic, as it can occur to improve user experience, here there is an alleged abuse of this mechanism.
The author used three LG monitors: models 27GP83B and two 27GN800, and could not determine which one brought the LG Monitor App Installer. His case is not isolated: other users have reported similar incidents, including cases with Dell Alienware monitors. Reports of such problems even exist from Brazil, as noted in a post on X.
The most obvious solution is to remove the problematic software. However, there are reports that the LG Monitor App Installer cannot be removed either through the Microsoft Store or through the applications list in Windows 11 Settings. In that case, it is suggested to go to Settings / Apps / Startup and disable this utility so that it does not run with the system. It is also possible to prevent automatic software installation via gpedit.msc, but this feature is unavailable in the home version of the operating system. Ultimately, the authors call on manufacturers to show more common sense.