A:Answer I tested this on mine and it dispenses water without a filter installed so I'll assume yes.
I didn't test this, but if you use the LG ThinQ app, it may complain about a missing filter.
Personally, I really like this fridge. Understand, though, that the water and ice is going to taste like plastic for the first couple of days at a minimum, with or without the filter, and with both icemakers.