LG UltraGear monitors reportedly auto-install adware

Users report that certain LG UltraGear monitors are automatically adding an “LG Monitor App Installer” to Windows PCs without clear user consent. Testers say the installer appears soon after display drivers finish installing, runs silently in the background and adds itself to startup items.

The behavior has been reported on multiple UltraGear models, including the 34GX900A-B and the 39GX950-B OLED. Testers reproduced the installation on Windows 11 machines and observed it appear on some monitors up to three years old after a recent Windows update.

Testers describe the installer requesting broad permissions and noted it can access the internet. Reported data types the software can collect include geolocation, device information, online activity, contact lists, user credentials and transaction information. Several testers raised questions about whether silent installation without explicit consent could pose legal issues.

The visible behavior includes a recurring pop-up offering a 30-day free trial of McAfee Premium each time the PC boots. One tester summed up the reaction with a single-line complaint: “Adware was our thanks for spending $1,200 with LG.” Another tester pointed out that the installer appears designed to add other applications and subscription offers to the system.

Testers did not find evidence that the monitor software is capturing screen pixels, but some expressed concern about how device software practices could evolve if similar installers become more common.

Owners who want to limit exposure are advised to review installed applications and startup entries and to remove software they did not explicitly approve. It is also possible to use the Local Group Policy Editor to block automatic app downloads, though that tool is not available by default on all Windows editions and can be difficult for average users to configure.

LG has not provided a public response to the reports reviewed. The company previously faced scrutiny over smart TV updates that led to a settlement requiring a pop-up describing data collection and offering a clear opt-out for viewing-data collection.

Users who notice unexpected installers should monitor recent installs and startup apps and, if needed, consult Windows support resources or a technical professional for help disabling unwanted background software.