Microsoft Copilot App Permanently Installed on Certain LG Smart TVs

By John Pranay (Editor)

LG TV owners worldwide are expressing frustration after discovering a Microsoft Copilot app on their smart TVs, which cannot be uninstalled. The app, reportedly added in conjunction with a recent webOS update, appears pinned to the home screen and serves as a shortcut to Copilot on the web. While users can hide the app, its permanent presence has left many customers unhappy, particularly given Microsoft's recent struggles with AI assistant popularity.

The controversy began when LG TV owners took to online forums to complain about the unremovable Microsoft Copilot app. The app, a result of LG's partnership with Microsoft for AI TV features, was initially met with excitement for its AI-based search and recommendation assistance. However, its permanent presence on the home screen has sparked frustration among users. Engadget staff confirmed the app's presence on two LG smart TV models, a 2022 LG OLED and a 2023 UA8000, and found that it cannot be removed, although it can be hidden from view.

• 2022: LG announces partnership with Microsoft for AI TV features, including AI-based search and recommendation assistance.

• 2025: LG releases a webOS update, adding Microsoft Copilot to some smart TV models as a pre-installed app.

• 2025 (recently): LG TV owners discover the unremovable Microsoft Copilot app on their smart TVs, sparking online complaints and frustration.

The introduction of the unremovable Microsoft Copilot app on LG smart TVs highlights the growing concern over data tracking and advertising on connected devices. As consumers increasingly rely on smart home appliances and streaming services, the line between convenience and surveillance becomes increasingly blurred. This development suggests that manufacturers may be prioritizing data collection and advertising revenue over user experience and control.

LG has not publicly commented on the backlash surrounding the unremovable Microsoft Copilot app. However, the company's partnership with Microsoft for AI TV features indicates a continued focus on integrating AI-powered services into its products. As the tech industry grapples with the implications of data tracking and advertising, consumers can expect to see more developments in this area.

This incident underscores the accelerating pace of change in the tech industry, where manufacturers are rapidly integrating AI-powered services into their products. However, this trend raises crucial questions about user control and data protection. By prioritizing data collection and advertising revenue, manufacturers may be overlooking the long-term consequences of eroding consumer trust. This suggests that the industry's focus on convenience and innovation may be at odds with its responsibility to protect user data and maintain transparency.

On balance, this event screens as Neutral in our sentiment view.

1. LG TV owners baffled by a Microsoft Copilot app that can't be removed — https://www.pcworld.com/article/3011417/lg-tv-owners-baffled-by-a-microsoft-copilot-app-that-cant-be-removed.html

2. LG quietly added an unremovable Microsoft Copilot app to TVs — https://www.engadget.com/ai/lg-quietly-added-an-unremovable-microsoft-copilot-app-to-tvs-235923754.html

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.