21.07.2026
3 min
22
LG monitor owners are reporting that a potentially unwanted application is being installed automatically on their systems, displaying persistent ads for McAfee subscriptions. Adding to the concern, Chinese antivirus vendor Jiangmin classifies the installer as spyware and suggests it may also collect user data.
Simply connecting an LG monitor to a computer is enough for Windows Update to automatically download the legitimately signed LG Monitor App Installer. The installation happens without asking for the user’s permission or displaying any notification. Once installed, the application gains broad access to system resources and the internet, launches automatically with Windows, and displays pop-up advertisements every time the computer starts.
The issue was first reported by Reddit users, who said they began seeing persistent McAfee subscription ads after LG Monitor App Installer was installed on their systems.
The claims were later independently verified by Gamers Nexus, a YouTube channel known for its PC hardware reviews. Host Steve Burke purchased a premium LG 34GX900A-B OLED gaming monitor priced at more than $1,000 and confirmed that the application was installed automatically, without any warning or user consent.
The application is installed automatically through Windows’ driver update mechanism without requesting the user’s permission.
During testing, the researchers rebooted the computer 32 consecutive times. On 31 of those occasions, the application displayed an advertisement for McAfee Scam Detector. Aside from installing additional utilities for LG monitors, the researchers found no meaningful functionality beyond aggressively promoting McAfee’s paid subscription service.
“The application installed itself without our knowledge or consent. It also launches without user permission and appears to collect certain data after installation, even though the computer’s owner may not realize it exists. In our opinion, this practice could be illegal,” Steve Burke said in a video titled “DO NOT BUY: LG Spyware Problems, TVs, Monitors & Wiretapping.”
The issue does not appear to be limited to newly purchased devices. Users on Windows technical forums report that the pop-up advertisements have also started appearing on LG monitors they have owned and used for years.
“The software should be optional and installed only if the user chooses to install it, not forced through Windows Update,” one user wrote.
The application’s VirusTotal results have also raised concerns. At the moment, only one antivirus vendor flags LG Monitor App Installer as potentially malicious. Chinese security company Jiangmin identifies the installer as TrojanSpy.MSIL.dcch, classifying it as spyware built on the .NET/MSIL platform.
According to the LG privacy policy referenced by the application, the company may collect a broad range of user information. This includes precise location data, device information, internet activity, and other technical data.
Because users cannot opt out of the application’s automatic installation, one of the few available options is to manually remove it and prevent it from being reinstalled by modifying Windows Local Group Policy settings. However, this approach is relatively complex and requires additional system configuration. Another possible workaround is to completely disable the Microsoft Store.
Researchers believe LG may not be the only hardware manufacturer distributing this type of software with its devices. Similar practices could be used by other vendors as well.
At the same time, LG’s data collection practices have come under increasing scrutiny. Researchers noted that the company’s privacy policy advises TV owners to inform household members and guests that their voices may be recorded and processed.
“Their voices may be recorded and processed in accordance with applicable wiretapping, eavesdropping, and privacy laws,” the policy states.
The policy also says that anyone who does not consent to this data processing should disable the television’s microphone or voice features in the settings.
Previous investigations have also found that LG smart TVs integrate advertisements into screensavers, may automatically install additional software such as Microsoft Copilot, and use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology to monitor what users are watching.
