LG responds swiftly to user backlash, will allow users to remove Microsoft Copilot link from TVs — clarifies service is not an app, future update will include tile removal option from WebOS
LG has clarified how Microsoft Copilot appears on its webOS smart TVs following recent coverage that described the feature as a non-removable app bundled into the operating system. According to the company, Copilot is not installed as a native application and does not run as an embedded service within webOS.
In a statement provided to Tom’s Hardware, Chris De Maria, Director of Public Relations at LG Electronics North America, said the Copilot presence on LG TVs is implemented as a shortcut icon designed to improve accessibility. When selected, the icon opens Microsoft’s Copilot website through the TV’s built-in web browser rather than launching a dedicated app.
This changes how Copilot interacts with the TV. LG says features such as microphone input are not enabled by default and are only activated after a user explicitly grants permission through the browser interface. In other words, the shortcut behaves in the same way as manually navigating to Microsoft’s site using the webOS browser, rather than operating with deeper access to the operating system.
LG also acknowledged concerns around user choice. De Maria said, “LG Electronics respects consumer choice and will take steps to allow users to delete the shortcut icon if they wish,” addressing complaints that the Copilot tile appeared on home screens without a clear option to remove it. LG has not yet shared a timeline for when or how that change will roll out.
The clarification follows reports from users who noticed the Copilot tile appearing after recent webOS updates on select LG TV models. Those reports raised questions about whether LG had begun preinstalling third-party AI services at the OS level, particularly given Microsoft’s broader push to integrate Copilot across Windows, browsers, and consumer devices at the behest of CEO Satya Nadella. He recently made headlines after warning executives that those who don’t embrace AI within Microsoft must leave the company.
LG’s explanation suggests a more limited implementation, at least for now. By keeping Copilot confined to a browser shortcut, the company avoids deeper integration with webOS services, data, or system resources. It is not currently known whether additional Copilot integrations are planned for the Linux-based webOS or whether similar shortcuts could appear for other web-based services in future updates.
For now, the company says its intent is to balance convenience with user control and to give owners the ability to decide whether the Copilot shortcut remains on their TVs.
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Luke James is a freelance writer and journalist. Although his background is in legal, he has a personal interest in all things tech, especially hardware and microelectronics, and anything regulatory.
No one will love when comes pre installed.
My samsung tv can't disable the bluetooth... time from time someone try to connect to it, It's a pain in the ...
Some times I catch the TV powered on to listen something in my room... I see only it working on the wattmeter, No screen, only drawing 30w of power.
The future is grim
I do not trust what was said from the rep. Far too often we get this sweet, sweet music about how paramount user choices are to opt-in as opposed to opt-out but yet when deeper technical knowhow is used to investigate, all of these devices are snooping on users on a massive level.
We need an availability of TVs, cars, vacuums, and other devices (if they aren't going to get rid of their mics and cameras) to have BSD or Linux be able to be installed on at least some of them. There's always a segment of the population that could not care less. But for the rest of us, I definitely want a generic Linux installed on my TV or in my car. I don't want their spyware.
It's always like this, we need to protect the consumer from these companies and from government.
