LG monitors trigger automatic Windows app installations

Recent controversy surrounding LG monitors has highlighted a Windows feature that allows external hardware to automatically install companion applications via the Microsoft Store. This behavior, linked to Hardware Support Apps (HSA) and device metadata, has drawn criticism because some LG models installed software with full permissions that displayed advertisements for McAfee antivirus.

While the feature was designed to simplify hardware setup and has been present in various forms since Windows 8, users have expressed concerns regarding privacy and lack of control. To prevent such automatic installations on Windows 11 Pro, users can utilize the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) by navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation to restrict these actions.