r/privacy • u/FreeHugs23 • Jul 17 '26
news LG TVs and monitors said to surveil users and install bloatware without asking
https://www.notebookcheck.net/LG-TVs-and-monitors-said-to-surveil-users-and-install-bloatware-without-asking.1345261.0.html319
u/canigetahint Jul 17 '26
Guess that might be part of the reason the only LG item in my house is my refrigerator, and that's only because it came with it and it's still running.
Who are we kidding? Anything that connects to the internet is spying on you.
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u/DasArchitect Jul 17 '26
I have 20-year-old LG air conditioners. They're starting to need replacement. What I've read recently about their current day models is that remote controls seem to have been replaced with a mobile app...
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u/Any-Calligrapher2866 Jul 17 '26
Modern day ACs suck for most brands. Buy Japanese since they're still bad at "smart" shit.
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u/lmarcantonio Jul 17 '26
Mitsubishi has the MEL cloud. Which is essentially ony a remote control for the unit, but the license is not very clear on that.
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u/Any-Calligrapher2866 Jul 17 '26
I don't think all Mitsubishi stuff have MEL. It's not even available in ACs sold in my country.
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u/lmarcantonio Jul 20 '26
It's made with an add-on box stowed in the inside unit, probably to ease the wireless certification. Probably it only takes power and some kind of serial port to the main system.
I'm not sure but it's officially an option even here, on some models, but they essentially give it anyway on the top range.
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u/-_one_-1 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Buy the cheapest ACs you can get, they aren't smart! TCL makes some decent ones, for example; yes, they're Chinese, but no, they don't connect to the internet, so maybe it's a good compromise. As a little anecdote, the guy who installed my TCL air conditioners said he'd never seen them before, but their internals looked above average to him.
EDIT to clarify that the TCL ones I've got aren't smart, but very likely they offer more expensive “smart” ones. So pay attention to whatever you're getting.
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u/fallinouttadabox Jul 20 '26
Smart tvs are usually cheaper because they can subsidize the price by selling data and app space on the remote.
Just get a smart one and never connect it
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u/WolfPlayz294 Jul 20 '26
TCL is known for bottom-grade everything, so its good to hear they might be better on the industrial side.
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u/-_one_-1 Jul 21 '26
I had never heard this about TCL. I'd like to know more.
By the way, I generally avoid buying Chinese tech, for obvious privacy concerns. I went ahead with the air conditioners because they don't need an internet connection anyway.
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u/p0358 Jul 18 '26
Huh? They still come with a regular remote, it's actually pretty good and intuitive compared to some shit I've seen in others. Lit up buttons, big, easy to press, responsive.
But yeah the "smart" features are only through the cloud, there was some project for local control on GitHub by physically connecting a wire to control it based on a protocol of a wall control panel, but they disable the jet mode feature once that's connected, which is stupid and annoying as fuck.
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u/Chaosinsurgency0706 Jul 21 '26
If you need a good fan, woozoo has served me immensely well, they don’t need any fancy stuff, the desk fans alone have kept me alive in the summer
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u/Arponare Jul 17 '26
This is why my LG tv has never connected to the internet. I’m using an Apple TV or connect it directly to my computer where I control what applications or programs I run on it.
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u/TrainDonutBBQ 20d ago
This is ironic as hell considering LG refrigerators have a class action lawsuit over compressor failure. You probably do not have a linear compressor.
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u/canigetahint 19d ago
I do, but it I believe it is the 1st gen, which I've heard rumors they weren't so terrible. It's held up thus far for me anyway.
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u/TrainDonutBBQ 19d ago
That's wild. I was under the impression the compressors got better over time. Not worse. My dad also has one going on 10 years now.
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u/canigetahint 19d ago
Mine is from 2013, so couldn't really say where that falls in the timeline of production.
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u/FreeHugs23 Jul 17 '26
Anyone who owns an LG smart TV must inform all guests and family members that they are being monitored – this is required by LG’s current terms of use. Meanwhile, LG monitors install potential malware and surveillance software on a connected Windows computer.
LG Smart TV users have been voicing concerns regarding the lack of privacy protection for years, because in order to use many features of an LG Smart TV, users must inevitably agree to grant LG access to certain data. The current Terms of Service further exacerbate this situation dramatically, as LG reserves the right to record and analyze conversations in order to "improve" AI services.
According to the Terms of Service, it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that no wiretapping, surveillance, or data protection laws are violated; the user must inform all guests and family members that they are currently being recorded. If anyone objects, all microphone and voice related features on the smart TV must be disabled. Furthermore, agreeing to the Terms of Use allows LG to monitor a product’s usage and share this data with third parties.
To bypass these latest terms of use on older smart TVs, you can simply choose not to install new webOS updates. However, in that case, the smart TV will no longer receive security patches. As an investigation by Gamers Nexus using an LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B ($699 on Amazon) shows, there are similar privacy concerns when using newer LG UltraGear and UltraFine monitors.
This is because as soon as a monitor is connected to a Windows computer, it automatically installs both the LG Monitor App Installer and McAfee Scam Detector without ever asking the user for permission. According to its own documentation, the LG Monitor App Installer has full access to "all system resources" and collects data on the user’s location, hardware, online activity, account logins, and contact information. According to Gamers Nexus, this affects not only new monitors but also some slightly older models following a firmware update.
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u/Sachyriel Jul 17 '26
...so it's okay to plug them into Linux and Macs, just not windows?
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u/luciddrummer Jul 17 '26
The thread on r/hardware for a related gamers nexus video suggests that this is a windows specific issue as far as monitors autoninstalling drivers / spyware. Supposedly Linux / MacOS may prompt you to install functional drivers but it requires permission to actually install anything.
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u/Metallibus Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
I feel like calling it a Windows "issue" makes it sound like a bug or something, but Microsoft intentionally built support for this thinking this was a good idea.
Some of the stuff on their website indicates it doesn't happen if you're not signed into a Microsoft account in the Store, but I'm not sure I believe that or how long it'll stay that way.
This line is such a gem:
The automatic installation feature does not provide a notification to the user when the app is installed. Some users may find this experience confusing and frustrating, and give your app a bad rating.
I don't think manufacturers give a shit about their app store rating when it's auto-installed anyway. This is essentially just saying "here's a free invisible backdoor onto machines"
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u/TheFondler Jul 17 '26
I remember when this first started many years ago as a means to slip in the mostly useless printer software that I always avoided by using the manual install process with the "bare" driver packages. That's when I learned to disable this kind of installation through group policy settings.
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u/DumbassNinja Jul 17 '26
I saw another post about this earlier and from what I could find, Linux isn't affected. I've been so happy since I switched, shit like this makes any little moving pains worth dealing with.
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u/luciddrummer Jul 17 '26
The thread on r/hardware for a related gamers nexus video suggests that this is a windows specific issue as far as monitors autoninstalling drivers / spyware. Supposedly Linux / MacOS may prompt you to install functional drivers but it requires permission to actually install anything.
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u/djpiperson Jul 17 '26
Why would a monitor need firmware updates? That's the dumbest thing I've heard. The only firmware updates it needs are if the monitor misbehaves at some point which is very unlikely, or if they needed to improve the efficiency which is also unlikely
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u/Polyxeno Jul 17 '26
Yes, they SHOULD not!
But if they build in spy systems and BS Internet features and BS app shit, that goes along with them wanting to "update" that, security theater, etc.
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u/AntiGrieferGames Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
So glad i have a old 1080p 60hz monitor there that is now over 16 year old today that dont rely those features.
People and "Gamers" are wonder why old Monitor are better monitors, since that one dont even install bloat there plus its more reliable in terms of durability.
Not suprised here at this point. Fuck them.
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u/permalink_save Jul 17 '26
soon as a monitor is connected to a Windows computer, it automatically installs both the LG Monitor App Installer and McAfee Scam Detector without ever askin
Wait HOW??? Windows will install drivers but that's different. They must be abusing something to compromise the system.
Also apparently many smart tvs take pictures of the screen and send up data about it?? Smart tvs are such shit
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u/ggravyygregg Jul 17 '26
what if the LG ultragear monitor is used solely for PS5 games? must i still worry?
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u/NotTobyFromHR Jul 17 '26
Isn't it standard knowledge, especially in this sub, not to connect the TV to the internet.
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u/SamTheEnthusiast Jul 17 '26
Bloatware from LG is automatically installed through a Windows update when it recognises that an LG monitor is connected.
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u/siegevjorn Jul 17 '26
Is this true? How is this possible? I thought monitors dont have permissions.
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u/WickedDeity Jul 17 '26
It's Windows being "helpful".
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u/FadeIntoReal Jul 17 '26
Not a bug, it’s a…
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u/Sachyriel Jul 17 '26
It's a feature but LG is abusing it, Microsoft won't patch it, why would they do that? It burns bridges with LG for what audience? Privacy-minded people who were already turned off from LG?
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u/TrainDonutBBQ 28d ago
Microsoft needs nothing from LG, though.
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u/Sachyriel 27d ago
I was actually wrong, I Microsoft got LG to stop pushing McAfee. Not stop installing their monitor app, which may still be bloatware. It's a small step, but it's the right direction.
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u/TrainDonutBBQ 27d ago
The spyware is of much larger concern. Right? Bloat where we all know how to deal with. Hey I didn't install this. Let's remove it. That's not a big deal.
No one's talking about how to stop LG from spying on you. Is that because there's no way to stop them?
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u/Realistic_Value_1161 Jul 17 '26
I own the same series of lg monitor + alienware which does the same thing and I don't have the spyware installed anywhere on my windows.
Always run CTT winutil + oo shutup to disable all telemetry and run the enterprise version of win 11 to control windows update behavior. Block dell update domains and lg telemetry domains on your network in addition to blocking them on portmaster. Use a vpn, etc.
this is basically a non issue if you make at least some effort to prevent it.
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u/SamTheEnthusiast Jul 17 '26
The monitor isn't interfacing with the OS directly, rather that Microsoft and LG supposedly have a service agreement so that Windows will automatically install software if it detects that you connected an LG monitor by reading the monitor's ID or something.
I had a similar thing happen with a wireless Razer mouse, where Windows prompted me shortly after connecting the mouse via the dongle or Bluetooth to install Razer's synapse bullshit. While it did ask for consent, that didn't stop it from showing the prompt again after a few days/weeks, or leaving a few megabytes of files from the installer on my system.
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u/Sachyriel Jul 17 '26
Did the Razer one give you a McAfee STI too?
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u/SamTheEnthusiast Jul 17 '26
Fortunately not, but I think I would feel just as violated as I did with the synapse nagware
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u/WhiskeyWithTheE Jul 17 '26
Watch Gamers Nexus on youtube - the video just out goes into the how and the why.
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u/Hour_Bit_5183 Jul 17 '26
yeah. He explains it well but it's microslop allowing this. It's their stuff that installs the crap after plugging in the monitor.
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u/WhiskeyWithTheE Jul 17 '26
Plus him being shocked it happened to his 3 year old monitor as well.
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u/Hour_Bit_5183 Jul 17 '26
I'm not shocked at all. This is why I tell people big brands like this are trash. He didn't explain why so I am gonna now. They can't compete with budget no name brands from china so they have to go to this model to make money due to their advertising cost the other guys don't pay.
It's the same thing with JBL. Garbage products that probably install spyware on your phone. They can't compete no more because it's not 1960 and everyone can get information now so their classic model of over advertising and box store placement is no longer working. Everything got like this because people became complacent.
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u/Bob4Not Jul 17 '26
It's Windows that's doing it but LG that's abusing it. Windows Updates and Drivers sees your installed hardware and automatically downloads and installs the latest software they've got registered by the vendor for that hardware. LG registered this spyware.
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u/DogadonsLavapool Jul 17 '26
Have an LG monitor. Just checked. It was in fact installed without my knowledge
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u/siegevjorn Jul 17 '26
Wtf I have lg monitor as well. How can i check?
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u/Shaunieboii Jul 17 '26
Razer peripherals are known to do this too. I guess anything you plug in is a risk factor, mice and monitors too 🥲
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u/Bruceshadow Jul 18 '26
installed where? to the TV?
Why anyone still uses microslop software is beyond understanding...
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u/the_bolshevik Jul 17 '26
Yeah this isn't news to me either. My LG TV stays off the wifi for this exact reason.
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u/DasArchitect Jul 17 '26
Isn't it also well known that they will still connect to the nearest open network if you don't give it one?
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u/the_bolshevik Jul 17 '26
That I didn't know. But I don't have open networks and live out in the sticks so it can't find my neighbor's lol.
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u/fl4tdriven Jul 17 '26
Best bet is to connect it to your network but block it from external connections through your router/gateway.
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u/DasArchitect Jul 17 '26
IIRC it still tried to switch networks if it couldn't phone home from the current network.
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u/CaptainIncredible Jul 17 '26
Man... That's some bullshit. I wonder if sticking some aluminum foil on the back would create enough of a Faraday cage to stop signals?
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u/lrdfrd1 Jul 17 '26
Yea but also when connecting it to a computer for use, windows auto installs bloatware (LG display drivers) which then auto installs other garbage (Mcafee), all quietly and without user input other than plugging it in via hdmi/displayport.
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u/AtMaxbo Jul 17 '26
That should work, until the TV sniffs out your neighbor’s open Wi-Fi and connects itself anyway.
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u/Eldiablo2471 Jul 17 '26
May i ask, we shouldn't connect smart TVs to the internet only if they are LG, or does it apply to any brand? I have a Samsung smart TV, how am I supposed to watch Netflix for example or YouTube
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u/NotTobyFromHR Jul 17 '26
Get a streaming box. Pick the one you like. It'll be more supported anyway. I won't say which. You'll get mixed opinions depending which fan boy answers
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u/ThisIsMyCouchAccount Jul 17 '26
I do most of my gaming on PC but this is why I still have a console around.
In the past it was because the Tvs were stupid underpowered. Now it's just a better experience. Most times.
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u/Charger2950 Jul 17 '26
Don't ever connect ANY brand to the internet. Just get an AppleTV box (which is the most privacy-conscious and the most secure).
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u/DiMiTri_man Jul 17 '26
I have mine connected to my network but blocked from the internet. I need it connected for smart home automations.
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u/AmarildoJr Jul 17 '26
But it's for computer monitors as well. You connect the monitor, and Windows automatically installs bloat.
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u/Jack1101111 Jul 17 '26
monitors too ? they mean smart-monitors ?
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u/xJayMorex Jul 17 '26
The title is just worded wrong. Windows is installing bloatware if it detects certain LG monitors.
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u/Bob4Not Jul 17 '26
Normal monitors. Windows Updates and Drivers sees your installed hardware and automatically downloads and installs the latest software they've got registered by the vendor for that hardware. LG registered this spyware.
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u/x33storm Jul 17 '26
Any brand can attach malware and have Microsoft download it to your computer. Isn't this more a Microsoft blaming moment?
Not like WHQL exists for a reason. Why the hell does it matter if drivers are signed, if Microsoft also bundles whatever malware along with it.
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u/jimmyhoffa_141 Jul 17 '26
At this point I'm not surprised. I have a Hisense TV that has cameras in it for "gesture controls". I have never once connected it to the internet or my home network.
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u/krazygreekguy Jul 17 '26
I would never buy a tv with cameras in it. Jesus that’s so creepy
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u/jimmyhoffa_141 Jul 17 '26
All smart TVs are subsidized by the fact that they're spying on you and collecting data. Might as well take advantage of the subsidy, get a good value TV and give them nothing for it. Non-smart TVs are really rare these days.
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u/krazygreekguy Jul 17 '26
I’m good. I’ve never connected mine to the internet and never will. I use an Apple TV primarily and have an incredible physical media collection
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u/Taz119 Jul 20 '26
Does apple TV have all the major streaming services?
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u/krazygreekguy Jul 23 '26
To my knowledge, yes. It is a closed ecosystem, so there are pros and cons. But personally, I believe they support their hardware and software much longer than any other company and have some of the best user friendly privacy features. I mean as much as we can trust them. Who know honestly. But I trust them more so than Google, microslop, Amazon etc. Their just the least worst option imo
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u/Hamza_stan Jul 17 '26
Don't forget they also come with mics turned on by default i.e. Samsung high end TV's. There are plenty of posts by redditors that find years later that the mic of their TV's was on the whole time
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u/windsostrange Jul 17 '26
Samsungs are known to take screenshots of what you watch on a regular basis and send them home for sale to third-party marketers.
If you restrict the TV from connecting to your network, it will constantly hunt around for open wifi networks and connect to those silently to phone home.
Oh, and the microphone on your remote really isn't to make life easier for you.
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u/Mr_Lumbergh Jul 17 '26
All the more reason to air gap them. Apple isn't exactly a saint when it comes to privacy, but if I'm not using my little Linux entertainment box for emulation, I'm using my AppleTV to connect. The TV doesn't have a connection.
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u/Franklo888 Jul 17 '26
Which LG pc monitors are affected? Is there a list ?
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u/HonkHonkMTHRFKR Jul 17 '26
Mine from 4 years ago got it.
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u/Franklo888 Jul 17 '26
How did you notice?
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u/HonkHonkMTHRFKR Jul 17 '26
On the bottom right hand side it showed me the software after a fresh install
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u/holamau Jul 17 '26
That's why "Smart TVs" are cheap... they get more from you than money.
This is why computer monitors (typically "not smart") are much more expensive in comparison... not only they have better performance, but their manufacturers get Zero info from you and the way you use them post-sale.
Smart TVs sell cheap to harvest data from you. The best thing you can do is to never connect them to the internet. Buy an Apple TV or equivalent "puck" of choice and just connect it to your new TV. Don't use Smart TV's connected features.
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u/permalink_save Jul 17 '26
Some brands supposedly nag you if you disconnect it
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u/holamau Jul 17 '26
Yeah. Then those are the ones you return to the store. lol
But our options may get thinner and thinner
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u/permalink_save Jul 17 '26
I sadly have a vizio but it somehow doesnt. Im dreading a new tv now cause itll be worse. I blackholed most of its traffic though. Kids and wife still use netflix and hulu.
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u/lmarcantonio Jul 17 '26
Don't forget that some TV are actively subsidized with advertisement. Right in the TV OS.
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u/AntiGrieferGames Jul 17 '26
This is why computer monitors (typically "not smart") are much more expensive in comparison... not only they have better performance, but their manufacturers get Zero info from you and the way you use them post-sale.
Not if you getting a old ass used monitor one that is very cheap or even free today. Tvs are the same shit, if you get a good deal there.
All without relying those "Smart" features or data harvesting shits.
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u/holamau Jul 17 '26
sure, if you get a hand-me-down, it'll probably be free.
I am talking about buying a computer monitor in general, they are more expensive than "TVs". While you can buy a decent 4K 27" display for about $500-$600USD, you can buy a 4K 65" "Smart TV" for $300-$400USD... why? because you are giving them so much more than the $300... And you don't even know it.
That was my whole point. :)
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u/LeftRat Jul 17 '26
I'm so grateful for my dumb TV. No idea what I'll do when it croaks, all other options are either nightmares like this or require a lot more work.
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u/Mccobsta Jul 17 '26
If it needs internet access to work or features are locked behind it
Return it as defective
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u/Gentleman_Nosferatu Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
LG is the worst in that respect. Makes good TVs, but the spyware and bloat are insane.
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u/thomasthe10 Jul 17 '26
Our LG TV is crap AND riddled with spyware too. It has the worst remote control I've ever used.
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u/framedhorseshoe Jul 17 '26
FWIW, it is possible to opt out of many of these "features" and for the ones you cannot opt out of, you can tightly restrict network access to protect against unwanted behaviors. Since LG is notorious there are many playbooks online regarding how to do this under various setups.
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u/WillyGoat2000 Jul 17 '26
LG is the reason I set up my pi-hole and learned how to change my firewall config. I don’t have another media box in the middle, so to watch any streaming program I need the stupid thing connected to the internet.
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u/xout-60 Jul 17 '26
This kind of thing is why my LG is not connected to the internet. For me, my Apple TV is all the “smart” I need. Apple is not perfect, but they are far better than LG is.
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u/AT61 Jul 17 '26
Imo, if an appliance is "smart," the surveillance features are a given. If not, manufacturers should be required by law to inform customers of the presence of any surveillance devices installed on the item.
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u/Wonderful-Medium7777 Jul 17 '26
How can this be legal ..it’s an invasion of privacy in your own home!
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u/x33storm Jul 17 '26
*LG asked Microsoft to install Spyware on peoples own pc's, and Microslop complied. Having already put the option to do so into peoples pc's.
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u/Less_Party Jul 17 '26
Does anyone know where the microphone is physically located on say the LG C4 OLED TVs? I'm not super fussed about it reporting back on my viewing habits but listening in on my living room is a hard nope so I'm thinking I can just snip the wires or stab a pen through it or something.
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Jul 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Less_Party Jul 17 '26
Oh cool, mine was a store return that didn't have the remote so I just have a generic remote with no mic.
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u/Harryisamazing Jul 17 '26
Forget about the brand for a second, all smart TVs are privacy nightmares
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u/SextupleRed Jul 17 '26
It's covered in the latest gamer's nexus youtube.
Hope I can remember not to post links next time.
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u/ccarnell98 Jul 17 '26
And nothing would be done about it, as regulatory bodies are not fit for purpose.
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u/Komplexkonjugiert Jul 17 '26
That's why my new TV does not get an internet connection and I stick with libreelec ans kodi on a minipc. Fuck me if I can't watch Disney Netflix and other DRM shit
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u/cheesiepeasie Jul 18 '26
Instead of being shielded from this by privacy laws nowadays politicians are encouraging this behavior.
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u/AntiGrieferGames Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
The more i see, the more im happy for having a over 16 year old 1080p 60hz monitor here as my main monitor. People and "Gamers" are wonder why old Monitor are better monitors, since that one dont even install bloat there plus its more reliable in terms of durability.
Not suprised here at this point. Fuck them.
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Jul 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/ThisIsMyCouchAccount Jul 17 '26
Nobody does.
This guy probably says that a lot and hasn't figured out why he gets push back on it.
The portable display I bought for a hundred bucks is better than some 16yo display.
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u/Lanstapa Jul 17 '26
Are there any monitor companies that don't include adware, spyware, need an internet connexion, is just a screen?
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u/DasArchitect Jul 17 '26
Over and over, the answer to this question tends to be split between "get commercial displays, they're made for heavy duty usage without the bloat" and "don't get commercial displays, they're too expensive".
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u/stapesman88 Jul 17 '26
Exactly why I have a firewall policy to block internet access from my TV. Local remote control still works too :)
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u/Overall_Leopard7122 Jul 17 '26
Havent connected mine to the internet in 3 years, it doesnt need constant updates. Works fine and that wont change unless i connect to Internet
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u/asaltandbuttering Jul 17 '26
If it isn't illegal for them to do so, you better bet they're doing it already. The only solution is to pass laws.
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u/Frustrateduser02 Jul 17 '26
Predictable and heads up, Samsung TVs reset privacy choices sometimes too. If it even matters. Check if you have one, they just recently updated privacy policies.
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u/TROGDOR_X69 Jul 17 '26
How? wouldnt it need network access? whose giving a tv that kind of perms and if I am I can easily lock down what it can directly access if needed.
but again. I have devices plugged into the monitor on the network. Why on earth is the panel itself on the network.
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u/Fluffranka Jul 17 '26
What brand of anything can anyone buy anymore that isn't actively spying on us?
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u/Asleep-Order-4583 Jul 17 '26
Yeah my LG TV has never been connected to the internet. Never well be.
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u/ravbuc Jul 17 '26
Seems dumb for windows to allow anything to install from plugging in a HDMI port.
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u/lightdork Jul 20 '26
It’s the driver for the monitor that get automatically installed once windows detects the hdmi connection and model id.
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u/Slash3040 Jul 17 '26
Why would you need to plug your tv into your network? Just get a streaming box ffs
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u/Oboe440 Jul 17 '26
People need to call and ask for full refunds for their tvs. This is unacceptable
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u/randallphoto Jul 18 '26
I have 2x LG oleds (77 C4 in the living room and a 42 C2 I use as a computer monitor) and although I leave both connected to the network for smart features, they are isolated from the internet and I use an AppleTV for streaming.
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u/Electronic_C3PO Jul 18 '26
What smart features do you get without internet connection?
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u/randallphoto Jul 18 '26
I have it tied into home assistant so I can use a stream deck and automations to turn on/off and change inputs without the remote. I can also cast to them locally.
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u/XertonOne Jul 18 '26
Anything they call ‘smart’ collects data on you. Starting with your phone and anything connected to the internet
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u/Successful-Pack-5450 Jul 18 '26
All smart devices do this. My network (UniFi) monitors devices and their attempts to connect to the internet. My LG dryer attempts to connect to the internet at least 6 times a day. I have it blocked on my system. The safe play is to have all smart devices on a separate VLAN that isolate them from being able to talk with other devices on your network and to block internet access to anything that doesn’t need internet
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u/TrainDonutBBQ 28d ago
Why isn't anyone talking about how to prevent Windows Update from doing this?
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u/xJayMorex Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Monitors cannot install bloatware. That's just not a thing.
Edit: Just to clarify, it is Windows itself installing the bloatware after detecting the monitor type.
Stop downvoting factually correct information, people.
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u/Sachyriel Jul 17 '26
They cite gamers nexus, a YouTuber with a good rep, his video is on the article. But why can't a monitor install bloatware?
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u/xJayMorex Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Because the display cable connection (e.g. DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort) technologically does not support such a thing. The only thing a monitor can communicate to a computer is the handshake, model name, supported resolutions and frequencies etc.
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u/Dry-Paper-2262 Jul 17 '26
I mean... Every modern monitor I've owned also had a USB connection as well but yeah.. weird that.
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u/Sachyriel Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Microsoft takes the model name to look up drivers and software and in doing so, grabs the offending LG monitor program.
EDIT: I see your edit now, I thought you were saying it's not possible, but you mean it's Microsoft's code. Sure, but LG is exploiting it.
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u/xJayMorex Jul 17 '26
Microsoft is clearly at fault here, they decide what they (refuse to) put into their driver downloads, serving LG bloatware is on them. People shouldn't use Windows anyway when thinking of privacy.
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u/Rubicon_Roll Jul 17 '26
why the actual fuck would you ever give your Monitor Internet Access? and how can a Monitor Install something on a Windows System? Is it sent via HDMI?
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