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LG TV owners may see a new app on their home screen the next time they sit down to watch something. According to several users, the Microsoft Copilot app is being installed onto LG TVs automatically. Worse yet, the app seemingly cannot be removed.
The same post also highlights a "Live Plus" feature that appears on LG TVs that can detect what's on your screen to better promote ads and content. The setting's description states:
"By turning Live Plus on, you understand that the content displayed on your TV can be recognized, and the viewing information may be used to provide you with an enhanced viewing experience and personlised services including content recommendations and advertisements."
According to defjam16, Live Plus was also enabled by default.
I do not have an LG TV, so I have not been able to test if Copilot is being installed without consent. Even if the app's installation is approved, possibly through a lengthy terms of service agreement, the fact that Copilot cannot be deleted is concerning.
Microsoft currently struggles to convince people to use its AI products. The company's AI CEO shared tone-deaf comments about people's lack of interest in AI last month. Microsoft has also faced backlash over its plans to make Windows in an agentic OS.
Despite Microsoft having invested billions into AI-related technologies, the company's advantage has seemingly evaporated. TIME's "Person of the Year" highlighted a group referred to as "The Architects of AI." Notably, Microsoft is absent from the cover.
Microsoft has received criticism for integrating Copilot into everything from Notepad to Outlook. Now, the tech giant will hear complaints about forcing Copilot onto TVs.
Can you get a "dumb" TV?
Finding a quality television without smart features has become increasingly difficult. Smart TVs are made more affordable by including preinstalled apps and ads, so any non-smart TV would struggle to compete.
My LG TV’s new software update installed Microsoft Copilot, which cannot be deleted. from r/mildlyinfuriating
The state of smart TVs is interesting in 2025. On one hand, the LG C5 is both the best 42-inch TV and best gaming TV, according to our colleagues at What Hi-Fi. That TV boasts best-in-class features in several categories, including four HDMI 2.1 (four ports), 4K at up to 144Hz, VRR, and ALLM.
Its operating system, webOS 25, also works with the most popular apps and services. That OS also brings the update that includes Copilot.
LG sets have appeared on best TV lists for years, and despite the latest Copilot situation, I would recommend their hardware to gamers and cinephiles alike.
That being said, many are frustrated with smart TVs becoming bloated with ads and unwanted apps. I seriously doubt the efficacy of Copilot on a TV. I assume most would prefer to install it voluntarily (or not at all).
While only select TVs have Copilot (Microsoft announced partnerships with Samsung and LG about the assistant earlier this year), many smart TVs have unwanted apps or ads.
Finding a quality "dumb" TV in 2025 is difficult. Manufacturers can reduce the cost of TVs by preinstalling apps and showing ads. Even if you found a TV without smart features these days, it would likely be more expensive than a smart TV with otherwise identical specs.
Some smart TVs have modes that hide apps, but those devices still have smart features built in.
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