Microsoft Forces LG to Remove McAfee Ads From Monitors After Windows Update Installs App
Updated
Updated · Ars Technica · Aug 24
Microsoft Forces LG to Remove McAfee Ads From Monitors After Windows Update Installs App
3 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · Aug 24
Summary
Microsoft made LG pull McAfee pop-up ads after some monitors installed the LG Monitor App Installer on connected PCs through Windows Update driver updates.
Since at least 2024, the app has also promoted LG software such as LG Switch and LG Dual Controller, despite LG saying it was meant to provide monitor-specific features and functionality.
The backlash centered on how the software was installed and what it could access: its Microsoft Store page says it can use all system resources and access an internet connection.
LG’s broader privacy policy had raised fears the app could feed data to advertisers, though the app-specific notice now says it does not collect, use, store or share personal information.
The episode adds to concerns that monitors are drifting toward smart-TV-style advertising and tracking on devices users expect to behave like simple displays.