LG's recent webOS update adds Microsoft Copilot app, now removable
Why does this matter for anyone who bought an LG TV this year? In January, LG and Samsung said they would roll out Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant across their latest screens. Fast‑forward to the latest webOS patch, and LG users are suddenly seeing a new Copilot icon appear on their home screens—no opt‑in, no setup wizard.
The icon isn’t a native app; it’s a link that launches the Copilot web experience inside the TV’s browser. That distinction matters because it changes how the feature behaves, how it consumes resources, and whether it can be removed. After a wave of complaints, LG has now made the shortcut deletable, effectively turning a forced addition into an optional one.
The move raises questions about how manufacturers bundle third‑party AI tools and what control consumers retain over their own devices. As the situation unfolds, De Maria offers a technical clarification that puts the shortcut in context.
Both LG and Samsung announced plans to add Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant to their TVs in January, but it appears to be popping up on LG TVs following a recent update to webOS. De Maria clarifies that the icon is a "shortcut" to the Microsoft Copilot web app that opens in the TV's web browser, rather than "an application-based service embedded in the TV." He also adds that "features such as microphone input are activated only with the customer's explicit consent." There's no word on when LG will roll out the ability to delete the Copilot icon.
Did LG really force a Microsoft Copilot shortcut onto its newest TVs? The recent webOS update added an icon that opens the Copilot web app in the built‑in browser. LG says the icon is merely a shortcut, not a pre‑installed program.
In a statement to The Verge, spokesperson Chris De Maria emphasized that the company respects consumer choice and will take steps to let users delete the shortcut if they wish. Both LG and Samsung announced plans to bring Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant to their televisions back in January, yet the rollout appears uneven. Users who spotted the unremovable icon voiced concerns, prompting the clarification.
Whether the removal option will be available immediately on all models remains unclear, as the announcement doesn't specify a timeline. The move shows LG responding to feedback rather than delivering a seamless integration. Until the deletion feature is confirmed on every affected device, the convenience of the shortcut is still contested.
Ultimately, the update reflects a tentative step toward AI‑enhanced TV interfaces, with consumer control now officially on the agenda.
Further Reading
- This is bad — LG smart TVs just got an AI 'upgrade' that's impossible to remove - Tom's Guide
- My LG TV's update installed Microsoft Copilot, which cannot be deleted - AskWoody
- Product Hunt - AI Tools - Product Hunt
- There's An AI For That - TAAFT
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Common Questions Answered
What does the new Copilot icon added by the LG webOS update actually do?
The icon acts as a shortcut that launches the Microsoft Copilot web app inside the TV's built‑in browser. It is not a native application, so it runs as a web experience rather than an embedded service on the TV.
How does LG ensure user privacy regarding microphone input for the Copilot shortcut?
LG states that microphone input for the Copilot web app is only activated after the customer gives explicit consent. This means the TV will not listen or record audio unless the user explicitly enables the feature.
Can users remove the Microsoft Copilot shortcut that appeared after the webOS patch?
Yes, LG confirmed that the shortcut can be deleted by the user at any time. The company emphasized that the icon is not a pre‑installed program and will provide steps for users to remove it if they wish.
Why did LG add the Copilot shortcut without an opt‑in or setup wizard?
The recent webOS update automatically placed the Copilot shortcut on the home screen to make the AI assistant readily accessible after the January announcement with Samsung. However, LG clarified that the shortcut is merely a link to a web app and not an enforced, fully integrated service.