- Windows users speak up. Some LG, Dell, Alienware, and Samsung monitors install companion software automatically after connecting to a PC.
- Several users report that the software starts showing McAfee promotions without asking for permission before installation.
- Experts say Windows handles the installation, while monitor makers decide what the software displays after it arrives.
Windows users are raising concerns after finding that some monitors can automatically install companion software when connected to their computers. Several reports claim the software begins showing McAfee promotions shortly after installation.
Users say they never agreed to install it. The issue first gained attention through online user reports. Pirate Nation later shared the discussion on X, bringing it to a wider audience.
Many users now question whether software should appear on their computers simply because they plugged in a new monitor. Experts say the behavior is not malware. They also say it is not a security breach. Still, many users believe software that displays advertisements should never install itself without clear permission.
Users Question the Automatic Software Installation
The discussion started after a Windows user connected an LG monitor to a computer. According to the user, Windows automatically downloaded the LG Monitor App Installer soon after the user connected the monitor.
The user said Windows never asked for approval before installing the software. After the installation finished, the first notification reportedly promoted McAfee security software. It encouraged the user to install or activate the product. That experience quickly spread across social media and technology communities.
Technology publication Tom’s Hardware later examined the reports. According to the publication, Windows can automatically download companion software for supported hardware through the Microsoft Store.
The feature is designed to make new devices easier to use. Instead of asking users to search for software themselves, Windows can install the tools needed for monitor settings, firmware updates, and other supported features.
Many users say they understand that purpose. However, they argue that showing advertisements for unrelated products goes beyond what companion software should do. As more people shared their experiences, similar reports appeared from owners of Dell, Alienware, and Samsung monitors.
Those reports suggest the behavior is not limited to one manufacturer. The growing number of complaints has led more users to ask whether they should have more control over what gets installed on their computers.
Microsoft Handles Installation While Manufacturers Build the Software
The reports have also drawn attention to how the installation process works. According to Microsoft’s device companion framework, Windows can detect supported hardware after it is connected. The operating system can then download related software from the Microsoft Store without requiring users to search for it themselves.
Windows manages the installation process. However, the companies that make the hardware create the companion software. They also decide what features, messages, notifications, and recommendations users see after the software opens. That difference has become one of the biggest topics in the online discussion. Many users say they welcome software that improves how their monitor works.
Firmware updates, display controls, and monitor settings are examples that many people consider useful. The criticism begins when those same tools start promoting unrelated products.
Some users have described the software as adware. Security researchers, however, say that the description is not technically correct. Traditional adware usually performs unwanted or harmful actions.
The monitor software discussed in these reports does not appear to behave that way. Instead, the main concern centers on user choice and transparency. Many users say they simply want to decide what software gets installed on their computers before it appears.
Users Renew Criticism of Promotional Software on Windows Devices
The latest reports have also restarted a much older discussion. For years, many computer makers have included trial antivirus software and other promotional programs on new PCs. Some users believe automatically installing companion software through connected monitors expands that same practice.
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Several Reddit users have already shared ways to remove the monitor software after installation. Others have explained how to disable Windows’ automatic installation of companion software for supported devices.
Some users are also asking Microsoft to introduce clearer permission prompts before software is downloaded for newly connected hardware. They argue that users should know exactly what is being installed and why.
At the time of writing, neither Microsoft nor the manufacturers involved had announced changes to the feature. The software itself does not appear to create a security risk. Still, the reports have renewed debate over the balance between convenience and user control. Many people appreciate faster device setup.
At the same time, they believe convenience should not replace informed choice. Users say they should always have the final decision over which software goes live on their own computers. As more hardware relies on automatic setup, that discussion is likely to continue.
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About the Author
Farwa is an experienced InfoSec writer and cybersecurity journalist skilled in writing articles related to cybersecurity, AI, DevOps, Big Data, Cloud security, VPNs, IAM, and Cloud Computing. Also a contributor on Tripwire.com, Infosecurity Magazine, Security Boulevard, DevOps.com, and CPO Magazine.
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