LG, Alienware and Dell monitors installing adware via Windows Update

[Mr.T]

LG, Alienware, and Dell have been using Windows' device metadata system to automatically install companion software when compatible displays are connected. In LG's case, users discovered the software was displaying McAfee advertisements - even on systems where McAfee had never been installed.

The frustrating part is how this happens.

This isn't a traditional Windows Update that asks for permission. Windows can automatically download apps associated with device metadata - a feature Microsoft provides for hardware vendors so peripherals can install companion software automatically. Microsoft even documents that these apps can be installed without notifying the user.

That might make sense for something like a graphics tablet or VR headset.

It makes far less sense when the "companion app" ends up serving advertisements.

The feature was intended to improve plug-and-play experiences, but OEMs are increasingly treating it as another software distribution channel. That's a bad precedent. When I plug in a monitor, I expect Windows to install a display driver - not software that advertises third-party products.

If you don't want Windows automatically downloading apps tied to device metadata, Microsoft provides a Group Policy called Prevent automatic download of applications associated with device metadata. This isn't available to Home edition users, so you will have to make do by directly editing the registry.

[Mexico_b]

we see you AI....now expect huamn robot