LG is facing criticism after users found that some of its monitors are secretly installing a Windows app that shows ads. These monitors also have a suspicious amount of permissions on your PC, leading to spyware allegations.
The app, called LG Monitor App Installer, arrives through Windows Update after a compatible LG monitor is connected to a PC. Users say the app can install without approval, and its first visible interaction may be a McAfee ad.
How the App Gets Installed
Windows starts the process after identifying the connected LG display.
It then downloads LG extension and software component packages through Windows Update. After that, the system installs the LG Monitor App Installer from the Microsoft Store.
The Microsoft Store listing says the app can access the internet and use all system resources.
McAfee Ads Appear After Reboot
YouTuber Gamers Nexus reproduced the issue using an LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B monitor.
According to the channel, Windows Reliability Monitor showed the LG Monitor App Installer arriving about one minute after Windows Update installed the related LG packages. The installation happened without an approval request or consent screen.
During 32 consecutive system boots, the app showed a McAfee promotion 31 times. On the remaining boot, it promoted one of LG’s own monitor utilities.
VideoCardz reported that the McAfee offer includes a 30-day trial that later converts into a paid subscription.
App Runs at Startup
Once installed, the LG Monitor App Installer registers itself to run when Windows starts.
This means the promotional popups can return after future reboots, even though the user did not manually request the app.
LG describes the software as a tool for installing compatible monitor applications, including OnScreen Control, LG Switch, and Dual Controller. However, the Microsoft Store listing also includes McAfee trial language, confirming that antivirus promotion is part of the app.
Privacy and Security Concerns
The app’s Store listing says it can use “all system resources.”
Microsoft describes this capability as runFullTrust, which allows a desktop app to run outside the usual Windows AppContainer sandbox.
This does not automatically mean the app has administrator or SYSTEM-level access. There is also no evidence that it steals files or private data.
However, a full-trust desktop app has more freedom than a normal sandboxed Store app. That makes automatic installation without clear approval a valid privacy and cybersecurity concern.
Older LG Monitors Are Also Affected
The behavior does not appear to be limited to new LG monitors.
Gamers Nexus said it received the same pop-up from an LG UltraFine 32UN880-B that was purchased three years earlier and already used in its office.
Reports of LG Monitor App Installer appearing without approval date back to at least 2024. More users have reported McAfee ads in recent weeks, which may suggest that LG has enabled the installer for more models or changed how often the promotions appear.
Android Authority described the app as effectively functioning like adware.
Windows Also Plays a Role
Microsoft’s device metadata system allows manufacturers to associate Store apps with specific hardware.
This system can be useful because it lets Windows deliver drivers and companion utilities when compatible devices are connected. However, the LG case shows how the same system can also deliver promotional software without giving users a clear choice.
In this case, Windows appears to treat the hardware vendor’s association as enough authorization, even though the user only connected the monitor to use it as a display.
How to Remove It
Users can remove LG Monitor App Installer through Windows Settings.
They should also check Startup Apps and disable any remaining LG entries that are set to run when Windows starts.
Windows Pro and Enterprise users can also enable the policy called “Prevent automatic download of applications associated with device metadata.” It is available under:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation
However, enabling this setting may also block useful companion apps for other hardware.
LG and Microsoft Have Not Explained the Change
LG had not publicly explained the behavior at the time of publication.
Microsoft had also not announced any change that would require explicit user approval before device-associated Store apps are installed.
For now, the issue highlights a larger problem with automatic hardware-linked software installs on Windows. A monitor should not quietly become a channel for subscription ads without the owner clearly agreeing to it.
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