Microsoft and LG are forcing Copilot onto smart TVs — and you can’t even delete it

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LG TV owners are reporting that the Microsoft Copilot app is being automatically installed on their TVs. Some users are frustrated because they haven’t been able to uninstall the app.

A Reddit user named defjam16 reported that a recent software update for their LG TV automatically installed Microsoft Copilot, and they are unable to remove it.

The post also mentions a feature called “Live Plus” found on LG TVs. It works by analyzing what you’re watching to show you more relevant ads and content. The feature is described as being able to…

When you activate Live Plus, we can identify what you’re watching on TV. This information helps us improve your experience by offering personalized recommendations and showing you relevant ads.

According to defjam16, Live Plus was also enabled by default.

Since I don’t own an LG TV, I haven’t been able to check whether Copilot installs itself without permission. Even if users agree to the installation—perhaps after reading a long terms of service agreement—the fact that Copilot can’t be uninstalled is worrying.

Microsoft is having a hard time getting people excited about its artificial intelligence products. Recent comments from the head of Microsoft AI didn’t help, as they seemed out of touch with public concerns. Plus, the company is receiving criticism for its plans to redesign Windows with an AI-powered system.

Microsoft has spent billions on artificial intelligence, but it appears to have lost its leading position in the field. TIME magazine’s recent “Person of the Year” feature focused on the key figures driving AI innovation, and Microsoft wasn’t included in the spotlight.

Microsoft has faced backlash for adding Copilot to many of its apps, like Notepad and Outlook. Now, they’re likely to receive similar complaints for including Copilot on televisions.

Can you get a “dumb” TV?

As a researcher, I’ve noticed it’s getting harder and harder to find a good TV that *isn’t* a smart TV. The reason seems to be that manufacturers can lower the price of smart TVs by including pre-installed apps and advertisements. This makes it tough for traditional, non-smart TVs to compete on price.

My LG TV’s new software update installed Microsoft Copilot, which cannot be deleted. from r/mildlyinfuriating

In 2025, smart TVs are offering impressive features. The LG C5, for example, is currently considered the best 42-inch TV and the top choice for gamers, according to What Hi-Fi. It stands out with features like four HDMI 2.1 ports, support for 4K resolution at up to 144Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

The TV’s webOS 25 operating system is compatible with many popular apps and services, and now includes the Copilot feature.

LG TVs have consistently been ranked among the best for years, and even with recent concerns, I still recommend them to both gamers and movie lovers.

Many people are annoyed that smart TVs are filling up with ads and apps they didn’t ask for. I don’t think Copilot would be very useful on a TV, and most users would probably prefer to choose whether or not to install it.

Although Copilot, Microsoft’s new assistant, is currently available on only a few TVs (following partnerships with Samsung and LG announced earlier this year), many smart TVs come with unwanted apps or advertisements.

It’s becoming hard to find a basic TV without built-in smart features in 2025. TV makers often cut costs by adding apps and advertisements. Surprisingly, even a simple, non-smart TV will probably cost more than a comparable smart TV.

Some smart TVs have modes that hide apps, but those devices still have smart features built in.

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2025-12-15 17:12