LG monitor users report that the LG Monitor App Installer is automatically installing on Windows PCs without user permission, prompting concerns over privacy and unwanted software.
Key facts
- •The LG Monitor App Installer is being installed automatically on Windows PCs via Windows Update.
- •The app’s Microsoft Store description lists McAfee as a supported application.
- •Users report that the software requests broad permissions, including access to geolocation, contacts, and user credentials.
- •Microsoft allows automatic installation of device apps if users have not opted out of 'Recommended Settings' during Windows setup.
- •LG did not provide a response to inquiries regarding the app's functionality or privacy concerns.
Users have reported that the LG Monitor App Installer is automatically installing on Windows systems without explicit user prompts or permission. The software, which lists McAfee as a supported app, is being delivered via Windows Update when users connect LG monitors to their PCs. This practice has raised concerns regarding privacy, as the application reportedly requests access to system resources and various user data.
Automatic Installation Mechanisms
Microsoft’s policies for Universal Windows Platform device apps allow software to install automatically when a device is connected to a PC, provided the user has not opted out of 'Recommended Settings' during Windows installation. This process occurs without notifying the user, a feature that Microsoft’s own developer documentation acknowledges can be confusing or frustrating.
Privacy and Industry Concerns
Once installed, the LG Monitor App Installer reportedly possesses permissions to access system resources, geolocation, device data, online activity, contacts, and user credentials. While LG has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the app's purpose or privacy implications, the issue has drawn comparisons to similar practices by other hardware vendors, including Razer, Logitech, Asus, and Gigabyte.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Ars Technica.
