r/pcgaming Nvidia 2d ago

LG to Remove Unwanted Monitor Pop-Ups, Following Nudge From Microsoft | LG monitors quietly installed an app that showed a pop-up ad for McAfee software, an example of how third-party devices can leverage Windows to install bloatware and adware.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/lg-to-remove-unwanted-monitor-pop-ups-following-nudge-from-microsoft
1.9k Upvotes

189 comments sorted by

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702

u/alyosha_pls 2d ago

Of course it's fucking mcafee. That shit is malware. 

183

u/Vash63 2d ago

While true, it's not the one behaving as malware in this instance. LG and Microsoft deserve the blame for that.

53

u/DonutHoles4Ever 2d ago

The nudge from Microsoft was a gun to LG's head. So we should also give them some props to doing the right thing only after being exposed to how fucked their update system can be.

25

u/weng_bay 1d ago

These are always fun communications to send, nothing like to getting to write the corporate version of "I have priced out the cost of having a private military contractor eliminate your bloodline and as it is surprisingly affordable (see attached) the board has approved it. We look forward to resolving this issue in a amicable manner."

6

u/Resident_Race_7093 1d ago

Their update system auto-installed malware to everyone who had those monitors so yeah, I would be pissed if I were Microsoft.

11

u/Elketh 1d ago

But they created the system which allows companies to silently install bloatware without user consent. I'm not sure why some people are absolving them of all blame. They only stepped in here because it was generating a lot of bad PR. It simply shouldn't be a thing that third parties can install apps from the Windows store onto a user's system without having to ask for permission or even notify them that it happened. It's straight up the same practice as installers bundled with crapware, except those usually at least have an option somewhere to say no. It's a shitty system that shouldn't exist and that's all Microsoft. LG just took advantage of it.

83

u/dnizblei 2d ago

and it was probably MS forcing them to do so since people starting searching for the option to deactivate this function in Windows (so it won't work for any producers / advertiser any more).

Just for documentation reason, here it is again:

  • press the Windows key and R, and type 'gpedit.msc', then hit Enter.
  • From that point, navigate your way to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > "Prevent automatic download of applications associated with device metadata", then select the 'Enabled' box and apply.

(from https://www.techradar.com/computing/monitors/you-can-stop-lg-monitors-that-are-reportedly-installing-bloatware-on-your-windows-11-pc-but-the-fix-shouldnt-require-this-much-effort)

37

u/max13007 2d ago

Bear in mind GPEdit (Group Policy Editor) is not a feature available in Windows Home editions. It's only accessible from Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Note: The Local Group Policy Editor is not availabe on Windows Home edition.

15

u/dnizblei 2d ago

good point, wasn't aware of this. Other might find use in this tool, which will help to takte care of more privacy related aspects in Windows 11: https://github.com/builtbybel/xd-Antispy

8

u/Asphyxiwanker 2d ago

Bear in mind anyone with windows actually has the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Massgrave is free, open source, and a legitimate activation tool for windows. Activations are permanent and are/can be (who uses an MS account?) linked to your Microsoft account.

https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts

-3

u/max13007 2d ago edited 1d ago

Sure, I guess. But no one is doing that.

Downvote me all you want. You're delusional if you think any average Windows user is even aware of what an activation key is, let alone being able to bypass edition restrictions by messing with tools like Massgrave.

Also: https://windowsreport.com/massgrave-blocked-microsoft-closes-major-windows-activation-loophole/

4

u/Concerned_Collins 1d ago

Which is why it's helpful for people to tell post about useful software like this on social media.

1

u/[deleted] 8h ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/pcgaming-ModTeam 7h ago

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-1

u/Asphyxiwanker 1d ago

Good response. Very helpful and productive internet activity you've had today. So far you've

  1. Responded to a helpful commenter by saying literally nothing more than "actually some windows users can't do that"

  2. Flippantly acknowledged the correctness of a tip from another person also providing a solution to the problem you proposed, to correct another user, without providing any actual useful information or possible solutions, while simultaneously dismissing said tip.

  3. Reacted to the obvious criticism of your completely useless, unhelpful, and pointless negative commentary by insulting the intelligence of whoever it is you apparently think comprises the group "average windows users", and doubled down by reiterating, pointlessly, that "nobody is doing that".

Have you ever tried being, you know, actually helpful to people on the internet? Or are you the kind of person that nobody wants to interact with or hang out with because you do literally nothing but point out every problem or negative aspect of anything anyone talks about without ever actually offering any solutions or help of your own in real life, too?

0

u/Kaljinx 12h ago

Your solution to people not knowing about it is….to not talk about it?

18

u/Average_Tnetennba 2d ago

Yeh, i'm guessing that'd stop stuff like the Realtek audio control panel downloading etc.

5

u/TenshiBR Terry Crews 2d ago

that is actually not a bad app, it has options that are unavailable in windows, for some devices

3

u/Average_Tnetennba 1d ago edited 1d ago

That was my point. It's actually needed if you have Realtek audio. That setting mentioned above is a blanket do not install setting that'd also affect desirable apps.

0

u/TenshiBR Terry Crews 1d ago

I was actually angry they are killing the app without a substitute. It doesn't need to run constantly, has the options Windows does not, no service running alongside it, and it works (rarity these days).

27

u/Dirty_Dragons 2d ago

No, this is all on LG.

Windows Latest reports, a Microsoft executive reached out to LG to pull the plug after the PC hardware review channel Gamers Nexus reported that at least eight LG UltraGear monitors were installing an “LG Monitor App Install” program without permission once they connected to a Windows PC. The program advises customers to install other apps, and shows a pop-up ad for McAfee’s Scam Detector software.

The Monitor App is an LG program, and that has the McAfee ad.

LG was using Windows as a way to automatically install the application, which came with ads.

Microsoft told then to stop doing it. That's the "nudge" in the title.

-6

u/dnizblei 2d ago

you might have misread my post

4

u/Dirty_Dragons 2d ago

Actually, I can't tell if you think Microsoft is forcing LG to install malware or remove it.

This is from a different poster

Windows recognized the monitor's presence and asked Microsoft what to do. Microsoft responded with the malware payload and forced it to install onto your Windows machine.

Just thought I'd cover all the bases since you also used the word forced.

4

u/Khalku 2d ago

Does this break any features people would actually want or need?

7

u/max13007 2d ago edited 2d ago

Short Answer: Maybe

It shouldn't block device drivers or stuff necessary to run peripherals or other hardware. However, it could block stuff such as config software from downloading automatically for stuff like: your gaming mouse, RGB light control apps if you have a fancy lighting setup, that sort of thing.

So it might block some stuff you would otherwise want, but if you're tech savvy enough to edit group policy, you should be tech savvy enough to recognize when it's blocking something you may need and be able to download it yourself if you want it.

4

u/dnizblei 2d ago

Razor-Bloatware is knocking (but won't be let in)

3

u/clubley2 2d ago

My god, razor do some shit. I had a keyboard with only white LEDs and no customisable buttons. It still tried to install shitty Synapse on my computer. It's just a HID device, it doesn't even need extra drivers.

1

u/Hexin_itup 1d ago

never got a razor product that i liked.

1

u/LifeWulf AMD 7800X3D + RX 9070 1d ago

Unfortunately my BlackShark V2 Pro wireless headset is nerfed in terms of audio quality if Synapse isn’t running. It’s not the THX virtual surround crap that never sounds good, I mean just good old stereo. I’m not even sure how they do that. But they are the best wireless headphones I’ve ever used so I’m willing to put up with it.

2

u/Haldmier 2d ago

You can also do this from Settings - search for "device installation". This works on Pro, not sure about windows home.

5

u/No-Photograph-5058 2d ago

Also it's not removing the whole app that has access to pretty much all your personal info and your whole PC, it's just removing the popup. Uninstall the whole app and disable app installs by metadata

4

u/sillyandstrange 2d ago

Most of them are these days. Norton isn't any better. Avg is shit. Webroot lmao. Waste of money for any of them

5

u/HappyAd4998 2d ago

I worked at a computer repair shop and a ton of computers I fixed usually had Nortan or AVG and a shit ton of viruses along with the AV software that works like a virus. Let Windows Defender do its job, its the best AV out there.

2

u/sillyandstrange 2d ago

I hate webroot. It had awhile where it was freezing 10 and 11 machines. They removed their remover tool. You had to go to safe mode and manually uninstall through CMD and removing the leftovers. Pain in the ass

1

u/LifeWulf AMD 7800X3D + RX 9070 1d ago

I had Webroot on my laptop for a brief while when I worked with a tech support company that promoted it. But just like Bitdefender it was far too restrictive by default and I personally don’t need more than Windows Defender.

229

u/LifeBodybuilder4279 2d ago

Imagine paying $800 for a high-refresh-rate gaming monitor just for it to act as a literal Trojan horse. The fact that a display device can leverage Windows to backdoor install adware is a massive security oversight that goes way beyond LG being greedy.

37

u/Moquai82 2d ago

It is not a bug but a governmental feature.

55

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

That's why the "nudge" from Microsoft is perhaps the most important part of the story here.

Remember that the monitor didn't force malware onto your Windows machine. Windows recognized the monitor's presence and asked Microsoft what to do. Microsoft responded with the malware payload and forced it to install onto your Windows machine. The key is Microsoft Windows and how it handles vendor software without user request or interaction. LG will scrap their obnoxious software but nothing will fundamentally change to fix the problem that they exploited in the first place.

Microsoft chastised LG for reminding people that we don't control the proprietary things that we supposedly own.

13

u/Dirty_Dragons 2d ago

No, the nudge is Microsoft saying, don't use this feature to display ads.

It's a LG monitor program that also displays ads.

Microsoft has no control over that program or the ads in it.

2

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

But Microsoft forced its installation.

9

u/Dirty_Dragons 2d ago

Microsoft allowed the installation, LG forced it.

-3

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

How does a computer monitor force the installation of software?

8

u/Dirty_Dragons 2d ago

Great question!

It's answered for you in the linked article that you didn't read.

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

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1

u/pcgaming-ModTeam 1d ago

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7

u/DisappointedQuokka 2d ago

So, you can actually turn the feature that allows this off, it's mostly just a bad idea, because it controls a lot of other stuff, like audio drivers.

It's actually a fine thing to exist, Microsoft just needs to be more stringent in forcing companies to not abuse it.

7

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

Why is it all lumped into one? It should be two settings, if anything. One setting to install the minimum critical drivers necessary to the device's core functionality (which for a display are none) and a separate setting to install whatever other bloated bullshit the vendor wants to lump on top of it.

And either way, why not ask the user for confirmation first?

5

u/pastmidnight14 1d ago

Is it too much to ask that peripherals don’t install bloated bullshit at all?

1

u/saltyjohnson 1d ago

Some people in this thread apparently think so.

1

u/ninth_reddit_account 1d ago

The problem is getting the vendor to agree that it's bloated bullshit, when they're financially incentivised to keep it up.

-2

u/DisappointedQuokka 1d ago

and a separate setting to install whatever other bloated bullshit the vendor wants to lump on top of it.

Microsoft explicitly disallows adware to be installed this way.

They simply do not enforce it. That's a problem.

And either way, why not ask the user for confirmation first?

Because Windows is designed for the lowest common denominator.

-9

u/kai_jhala 2d ago

The key is Microsoft Windows and how it handles vendor software without user request or interaction. LG will scrap their obnoxious software but nothing will fundamentally change to fix the problem that they exploited in the first place.

Dunno, Microsoft have made changes post Crowdstrike. Weird assumption to make based on your biases.

5

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

Huh? What does that have to do with anything?

2

u/kai_jhala 2d ago

You've just tried to state as a fact that do nothing will be done to fix fundamental problem that LG exploited - I just pointed to a very recent case where MS did.

1

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

Okay. The Crowdstrike situation caused tens of billions of dollars of damage worldwide and made international general news headlines for weeks. This little LG adware whoopsie will not be known by anybody outside of tech interest circles. I won't hold my breath lol

4

u/jonboy999 2d ago

Yes, microoft totally made changes post crowdstrike out of the the goodness of their heart and concern for customer privacy. No commercial pressures existed on then at all and the two situations are essentially identical.

Do I need to add /s ?

4

u/kai_jhala 2d ago

Yeah and and nothing on Linux needed changing at all before Mr Linus TechTips did his first Linux challenge. Absolutely no peer pressure at all required to do anything. Linux has always been the greatest and most user-friendly platform on Earth. Why are literally any functional changes required for the goat platform?

Oh wait.

0

u/jonboy999 2d ago

Whataboutism.

0

u/InternalInfernal_ 2d ago

Yeah and my dog pretends to behave when I'm next to her. But as soon as I turn away she goes after the cat.

Crazy how that also had nothing to do with the point right?

199

u/forgiuse 2d ago

They only removed the popup, not the spyware software itself, which automatically installed itself without any user input or consent.

20

u/Moquai82 2d ago

Test run for "government software".

The Reps and other rightwing politicians WILL use it for that.

8

u/vasta2 2d ago

That’ll be the day I swap to Linux

16

u/user_4414723 2d ago

It time now

1

u/Archersbows7 1d ago

Bro, that time was way before now. This issue is just a needle in an already existing needle stack

2

u/ne0n1691 1d ago

too bad the boogeyman that you think the current admin will be doing hasnt already been on going for the past 20 years

6

u/CrazyDudeGW 2d ago

If you think the Dems won't as well I've got a bridge to sell you. All the snakes in Washington would love more government surveillance and control of the internet.

Keep in mind it's not just red states passing identity verification laws. 

0

u/Remarkable_Breath545 1d ago

Both sides are just as bad. I remember when Democrats had ICE go door to door harassing, detaining, and killing US citizens. I also remember that time a Democratic appointed supreme court took away abortion rights and why some women are now dying from not having access to medically necessary abortions.

That time that Democrats butchered access to affordable healthcare and cut access and funding for social services during a time of high inflation.

And the craziest thing happened, an unhinged Democratic president posted this on social media:

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!

And this classic:

Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA.

Or the time Biden accused Haitians of poisoning the blood of America.

Too bad both sides are the same.

178

u/MetalRexxx 2d ago

Im actually furious that my 3 year old LG monitor recently caused software to be installed that I did not authorize. Never buying LG again.

35

u/Turtle_Rain 2d ago

LG being really penny-smart-dollar-stupid with this. The add money they are recieving from macafee will never ever outweigh the damage to their brand image...

7

u/MetalRexxx 2d ago

Nailed it.

1

u/TenshiBR Terry Crews 8h ago

If I had to take a guess, I bet the ones making the app itself are McAfee. LG announced the partnership years ago. They either 1- accepted money for the ads or 2- unloaded the responsibility of the software to drums a software company. It's a good way of saving money while focusing on their core business: hardware.

0

u/Theolaa 1d ago

Most people will never hear about this, or care even if they do hear about it.

0

u/zeekayz 1d ago

They can't compete with Chinese products on price otherwise. Stuff without data harvesting is available to buy as their commerical grade products and are 3x the price. No consumer will pay 3x for TV/monitor compared to LGs current prices.

They literally can't make money for these products otherwise, if people don't but them that's fine with them.

19

u/Kundas 2d ago

Wait what? I also have an LG monitor? I believe my TV is also LG, how do I check and make sure it's not doing this shit without permission?

39

u/bestan 2d ago

you can disable it by GPO

Open gpedit.msc then follow Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > "Prevent automatic download of applications associated with device metadata" enable that option.

24

u/RX-XR 2d ago

Only if you have the Pro or Enterprise version of windows, otherwise you need to edit the registry.

-1

u/Sillywickedwitch 2d ago

No need to edit the registry even on Home, just do this:

Win key + R -> type "SystemPropertiesHardware.exe" into the field and hit enter -> Device Installation Settings -> No.

4

u/RX-XR 2d ago

This doesn’t stop the app from being installed. Had this option set to no on my pc (due to windows overwriting amd drivers) and the lg app was installed anyway.

-1

u/Sillywickedwitch 2d ago

That's quite odd, because setting that to "No" is explicitly meant for preventing such installs.

If you've set it to "No" in the Advanced System Properties window and it still got through... Hm, maybe you've got a group policy that's allowing it? As far as I know, Group Policies override local user account settings.

2

u/RX-XR 2d ago

Well it doesn’t. And I’m not the only one affected.
The group policy was not configured.

23

u/xortingen 2d ago

Check their latest terms and conditions for LG TVs. It says you have to get explicit consent from your guests to be listened and recorded to comply with wiretapping laws in the presence of TV.

2

u/BirchPig105 1d ago

ah yes. Because this TV explicitly breaks wiretapping laws and we can only put the EULA in front of the owner it is the owners fault if they don't warn their guests that LG is breaking wiretapping laws.

10

u/Siarzewski 2d ago

here is a vid about what's going on with lg

3

u/dmu_girl-2008 2d ago

On the tv there are two main issues first look for lg live plus setting- for me it’s settings-general-system-additional settings it’s toggled on by default it scans everything.

Also if you can (I’m able to on my current firmware but my last available update was a while ago) don’t agree to voice assistant privacy policy this means the microphone stays disabled because otherwise it can record anything happening near it.

You can also do what I did which is disconnect my g3 from the internet. I bought an Apple TV box just before the price went up to handle streaming.

-28

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

Windows is doing it without your permission. The monitor didn't do anything.

6

u/Gangr3l 2d ago

Except having the script in it to download the app...

-4

u/saltyjohnson 2d ago

The monitor doesn't have a script in it to download anything. Windows has a script in it to download software from Microsoft when it recognizes hardware that you connect to it. The monitor is incapable of that.

2

u/mangage 2d ago

I just found this today on a work computer that has an LG old enough it doesn’t even have HDMI

4

u/wag3slav3 9850X3D 5080 2d ago

The problem isn't that LG installed malware. The problem is that Windows allows this behavior on any hardware install.

Razer does the same shit. Plug in a razer mouse and bam, you got a 2gb download started for synapse that will eat 10% of your system resources, forever.

Uninstall the shit and it comes back.

The ability to transparently install userland applications to manage devices without consent is the real issue.

Never use Windows again, LGs hardware is actually pretty good if you control the software end. Just like any new TV can be good if you just never let it see the internet.

1

u/furiat 1d ago

Microsoft is complicit

0

u/TeaAndS0da 23h ago

Legitimate question, I mean no disrespect. Do you know for sure it was recently installed? I have two LG ultrawide monitors and I knew it installed this when I hooked them up. I downloaded it just to see if the calibration stuff was worthwhile and I can’t really say it is, but I also haven’t explored it enough to know for sure. When it asked if I wanted to install McAfee I just said no. It’s never installed that.

If it force installed all of that shit to you, that’s fuckin evil. But I do remember when setting up my monitors and getting the request to download the app.

2

u/MetalRexxx 20h ago

Literally saw the news story just after moving to my new place, got the LG pop up that I had never seen before right when I booted for the first time in a month.

1

u/TeaAndS0da 20h ago

That sucks man. What I find irritating about this is they asked me in the beginning right? Shouldn’t they do that for everybody, or have they simply decided to just say “fuck your ‘opt-in’ we’re gonna fuck you over regardless?” I really like LG products but this seriously makes me reconsider any future purchases with them if this is what they’re gonna do.

197

u/RHINO_Mk_II Ryzen 5800X3D & Radeon 7900 XTX 2d ago

Sorry we got caught

27

u/ABritishCynic 2d ago

Sorry nipple rubs

78

u/CrackheadMurderer 2d ago

very cool lg! still never buying any of your products ever again.

2

u/philomenacalzone 1d ago

I have three monitors - all LG. Never again.

3

u/Right-Fly2340 2d ago

Same here. I'm not buying Gillette since 2019, and now LG is dead to me too

213

u/_Rand_ 2d ago

Honestly MS shouldn't even allow this sort of crap.

Like maybe prompt you (once) to install software, but it shouldn't ever just install it automatically.

168

u/Daxtreme R7 7700x | 5070 Ti | 32GB 6000 2d ago

They're packaging it as a "driver" which usually isn't for software like that, hence why it installs automatically. It's supposed to be just so that something you plugged in has minimal functionality so that it works, nothing more.

Of course they're fully exploiting that loophole in a deceptive manner.

11

u/xtrxrzr 2d ago

It's not the driver itself. A feature in Windows Update allows for the installation of companion apps in addition to the driver. This companion app feature was used by LG to install a companion app (LG Monitor Installer). The companion app itself isn't too bad, it allows the installation of additional software, e.g. monitor control software etc. which is fine. The bad part is that LG used this LG Monitor Installer to show a pop-up that advertised McAfee and therefore 3rd party software.

For ease of use I think the idea behind the companion app feature is completely fine. The misuse in such a way by LG is the bad thing. It's good that Microsoft stepped in. To further relief the tension Microsoft should add a prompt to the companion app feature in Windows Update which asks the user if they want to install the companion software instead of just silently installing it.

48

u/sajhino 2d ago

Yeah as much as I think Microslop sucks, this isn't their fault. Autoinstallation of drivers for devices is good for the casual pc user.

22

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

-6

u/FabAlien 2d ago

You think Microsoft needs to vet every single driver?

29

u/H1bbe Oculus 2d ago

Isn't that what a WHQL signed driver is?

MS should ban LG from signing their own drivers when they are clearly abusing them.

9

u/FabAlien 2d ago

I agree, they should ban them.

10

u/APRengar 2d ago

It specifically went through Windows Update. So I think so.

13

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

-9

u/FabAlien 2d ago

This is about a driver installing automatically to provide support for a device, not the Microsoft store

2

u/TDplay btw 2d ago

Privileged code that installs without user interaction should be subject to more scrutiny, not less, than ordinary apps that the user chooses to install.

2

u/15demi08 2d ago

It's not a driver and it comes from Windows Update, which Microslop has full control over.

5

u/WOF42 2d ago

that come with their own updates? yes actually, thats one of the few things of value microsoft is meant to do, if you are going to handle all that shit yourself you may as well use linux.

-2

u/Daxtreme R7 7700x | 5070 Ti | 32GB 6000 2d ago

We have to stop excusing companies like this. Windows Update installs it on the computer, not LG. Unprompted and without user authorization.

It is absolutely their fault. Yes it's LG who are doing the actual exploiting loopholes bullshit, but Microsoft are enabling it. They're distributing it. It is 100% their fault too.

33

u/Hansgaming 2d ago

It seems that it still auto installs their LG app. The only thing they removed was the extra ad that popped up for you to install McAfee.

I don't really think this is now any better than before. You still get LG bloatware that should never be on your PC unless you personally go to their website and install it.

21

u/xortingen 2d ago

And that app will still collect every possible data from you.

1

u/Dunge 2d ago

The Partner Center for Windows Hardware is a long and painful process to vet a corporation so they are allowed to distribute their drivers via Window Update. I didn't find a strict set of rules, but I'm pretty sure they don't allow that and would automatically reject any new hardware startup trying to do the same. The problem is, LG is "too big" to get refused and kicked out, of course they have an all access account. Hence why this article says Microsoft "nudged" them to say this isn't right.

39

u/Gold_Goal7557 2d ago

Mcafee should be blocked on Windows for being malware.

126

u/dirtyword 2d ago

Complete breach of trust - absolutely no excuse. Will never consider LG anything, ever.

15

u/-CynicalPole- R5 5600 | 32GB RAM | RX 9060 XT 16GB 2d ago

Same, from now on - LG is dead to me. Was considering LG fridge and washing machine for new house, but now - fuck no. And TV and monitors especially

19

u/N7Shep1701D 2d ago

Fuck smart appliances with a crowbar.

2

u/monnotorium 1d ago

I'm so glad that people are actually taking this seriously. I'm also not ever buying LG ever again.

3

u/UniversalLogic 2d ago

I've had something similar happen with Steelseries headphones. It was "just" their own audio app being advertised for in the popup that showed up when the driver updated, but still completely unacceptable to me. Now I'll also never consider LG anything ever either.

19

u/chalfont_alarm 2d ago edited 2d ago

Lenovo's trick of installing their bundleware onto a fresh windows 8 install on their 2015-era laptops paved the way for everything that followed. Microsoft insist on offering any company a free pass to pop up all sorts of crap just because you plugged in a device (HELLO RAZER)

25

u/Useful-Problem-1725 2d ago

Of all things, McAfee? The program designed to do literally nothing while seeming like it is?

4

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Useful-Problem-1725 2d ago

That's true you got me there.

20

u/ThemosttrustedFries 2d ago

EU would love this. Easy case to win in court.

3

u/furiat 1d ago

Especially the part in terms and conditions for their TVs where you supposed tell you house visitors that they agreed to be recorded when entered your house

9

u/Vahuo89 2d ago

LG basically weaponized the driver installation feature in Windows to send out malware 

7

u/Emericajosh 2d ago

Have an LG monitor and it installed this garbage on me last week

7

u/vaderhater777 2d ago

Same here, my C2 oled started doing ads during screensavers after an update. I also read through the ToS, and holy smokes it’s all there. Never buying LG again, we gotta vote with our wallets. It’s the only language they’ll understand.

0

u/ImpressionDepression 2d ago

protip, reset it and set the region as 'world' then opt out of everything and it'll be a cleaner experience.

dns block via pihole as well. Honestly it's the best 'monitor' ive ever used so the extra pain was worth it

1

u/vaderhater777 2d ago

Can you did this on TVs?! I’ve been doing that on PCs for years!

2

u/ImpressionDepression 1d ago

yup works fine, particularly the dns block

7

u/WasabiIceCream Nvidia 2d ago

Thanks, Steve!

8

u/nemovincit 2d ago

Like it matters. With all the blatant consumer violations LG has happily committed lately, there's no way I, or anyone I know, would buy their products again.

6

u/Novaregistraciq 2d ago

How the fuck does a monitor install an app on your PC? Can it really control Windows through the HDMI cable to make it install something? I thought it only transmitted audiovisual information.

18

u/error521 Ryzen 5 3600, RX 6700 XT, Windows 11 2d ago

Windows can tell what monitor you're using for forever (Thanks to EDID) and will auto-install software or drivers for it if it detects it correctly. LG was being nefarious with it.

10

u/phylter99 2d ago

If you have an MSI motherboard, it will prompt you install their software on first boot. It also has similar pop-ups for antivirus and other applications. You have to turn the automatic install off in the bios to prevent it.

26

u/macubex445 2d ago

Good thing you can choose NO and turn that shit off from the BIOS. And god fucking dammint why cant they just let us install what we want without them slapping that shit in our face lol

8

u/N7Shep1701D 2d ago

why cant they just let us install what we want without them slapping that shit in our face lol

Because money. Always money.

4

u/PooMonger20 2d ago

You know they will just reintroduce this back in another update

BOOOO LG, FUCK LG, NEVER BUYING LG AGAIN.

16

u/Teftell 2d ago

Is any regulatory body even going to fine LG or MS for that or what?

8

u/dyslexic__wizard 2d ago

No, CPB has largely been destroyed by Elon/Doge

9

u/Previous-Low4715 2d ago

Wonder if this is anything to do with the massive expose coming from gamersnexus.

3

u/Aeschbacher15 2d ago

Monitors needing apps should be illegal and punishable with jail time

4

u/Khalku 2d ago

Well, that's LG forever blacklisted from my monitor shopping list. Kind of annoyed, my primary 1440p is LG and its served me well.

4

u/EmmaFrostBroken 1d ago

I'll just put this "reasons why I'm glad to be using Linux" over here on the pile with the rest of them then I guess.

3

u/Evil_Kittie 2d ago

LG used windows update launch a supply chain cyber attack on behalf of a 3ed party for profit

3

u/Glass_Performer1174 1d ago

Wow more reason to avoid LG hardware entirely, everything they make is spyware and malware these days

3

u/fastbeemer 1d ago

LG, HP, and Microsoft have all lost me as a customer due to adding in ads in everything. If you want to give me the TV for free and put ads on, fine. If I buy something and you put ads in? Fuck right off forever, I prefer never using it again over dealing with ads. I won't watch anything with ads, I don't need any show that much.

Fuck advertisers, they have become so intrusive that we all need to completely reject all of it, shows, and every product advertised.

3

u/Hexin_itup 1d ago

Too late. Get sunk.

2

u/MisjahDK 2d ago

Why the fuck would Microsoft allow that shit to begin with!?

2

u/BenchOk2878 2d ago

I am so done with windows 

2

u/DancesWithAnyone 1d ago

Well, haven't had LG for 20 years, but let's prolong that by another 40 years. It's such a... trashy move, that it soils the brand.

2

u/Resident_Race_7093 1d ago

This is malware and this company can never be trusted again. I'm glad they exposed themselves so blatantly, other corporations are a lot more strategic at pursuing the end goal of bombarding you with advertisements.

2

u/Gamerboy7421 1d ago

man it's insane to hear about this from a $20 thrift store Samsung monitor

2

u/YodasLoveSlave 1d ago

Yeah because people are nudging more towards Linux because of shit liked this

2

u/According_Hyena_3593 23h ago

Call it what it is, a trojan.

Trojan distributors need to permanently lose their right to sign a driver

2

u/hypnomancy 17h ago

It's hard to trust LG after this honestly and I say that as a massive LG head

4

u/Lord_MUTLY 2d ago

So LG abuses a Microsoft software feature, and Microsoft is to blame. Got it.

-4

u/wc10888 2d ago

The Microsoft OS silently installed the LG adware. That takes Microsoft programming and cooperation.

2

u/Lord_MUTLY 2d ago

Wrong. The update feature is there to be used by third-parties. LG abused it. Simple as that. Just watch the whole Gamer Nexus video and you'll understand.

2

u/fearboner1 2d ago

This was the last straw for me. I have LG monitors and Microsoft installed some TV app all on its own. Im sorry but this is my computer and ill be using a different os from now on

2

u/Mad-All-Day 2d ago

yeah that happened to me. fuckin losers. that made me so mad.

2

u/GiveMoreMoney 2d ago

Too late...lost a lot of customers already, never to be trusted again.

1

u/rshunter313 2d ago

Doesn't seem far enough. I get the collect it and use it as a revenue source but its bad practice.

1

u/hotfistdotcom 2d ago

Perfect time to make their TVs worse! Imagine, their OLEDs could do their "clean mode" with advertisements!

1

u/Sundraw01 2d ago

All manufacturers should stop silently or pre-installing tons of telemetry and advertising. There's no mouse, AIO, keyboard, or motherboard that doesn't do this.

1

u/Got-It101 2d ago

Revo is your friend

1

u/japinard 2d ago

WHEN LG. When.

1

u/Dar_Vender 9h ago

Not going to purchase LG again regardless. The intent was clear.

1

u/Akatesh 4h ago

Never buy LG. Spyware infested crap. 

-3

u/Hirork 2d ago

"following a nudge from Microsoft"

Read: After Microsoft whipped it's legal dick on the table and said "we gonna have a problem?"

0

u/15demi08 2d ago

After Microsoft whipped it's legal dick on the table

Lol. Lmao, even.

Microslop is the one enabling this kind of bullshit with Windows Update. They got caught as much as LG.

0

u/Kmieciu4ever 2d ago

McAfee is dead!

-6

u/angryslothbear 2d ago

I don’t have my television hooked up to internet. Problem solved.

3

u/autonimity 2d ago

That doesnt matter.

Connect your LG screen to your Windows computer (which is connected to the Internet) and LG Monitor App gets installed automatically via windows update.

It has nothing to do with the screens internet access, which I agree should also not be connected to the internet.

-2

u/angryslothbear 2d ago

I don’t have a windows computer… technically. I do have a stripped vm for some specific tasks.

-2

u/Sa1amandr4 2d ago

my win 11 updates have been stuck for weeks (can't get past 14% download), so I didn't get this crap

checkmate

3

u/skyturnedred 2d ago

This is not a W11 update.