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Removing Dark Viewer adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Dark Viewer
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Dark Viewer?

Dark Viewer is a rogue browser extension, one of the many we have noticed promising to create a dark mode for websites that do not have this feature. Our researchers have observed this software delivering various advertisements; in other words, Dark Viewer exhibits behavior typical for adware.

Dark Viewer adware asking data-related permissions

Dark Viewer adware overview

Adware can need certain requirements to be met, e.g., specific browsers, websites to be visited, user geolocation, etc. - in order to operate as intended by its developers. Therefore, the same piece of software may work differently on other systems. Dark Viewer is unlikely to be an exception to this.

Through our substantial research into adware, we have noted it displaying various banners, pop-ups, surveys, coupons, full-page, and other intrusive ads. The delivered adverts promote untrustworthy/dangerous sites and apps, online scams, and even malware. It is noteworthy that any legitimate content promoted through these adverts is marketed by affiliates seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions and not endorsed by its actual creators.

Some intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install software upon being clicked. Hence, Dark Viewer not only diminishes the browsing experience but it also endangers device/user safety.

Dark Viewer also requests users to allow it access to their browsing data. Typically, adware targets visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and other vulnerable information. Adware developers can share and/or sell the collected data to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of adware on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Dark Viewer
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Dark Viewer
Supposed Functionality Dark mode enablement for websites
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

AlphaSpeedBoosterSafeTravel, and BackLinks Monitor are just a couple examples of adware we have analyzed. This software looks genuine and offers handy features (e.g., enabling dark mode, allowing easy access to online content, etc.). However, we have concluded that the advertised functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did Dark Viewer install on my computer?

Our researchers downloaded Dark Viewer from its "official" webpage, which they encountered through a deceptive browser notification. However, it is worth mentioning that adware developers use various methods to promote their products. Hence, both the page and the software could have infiltrated your system through different means.

Dubious sites are commonly promoted by others that use rogue advertising networks. Adware can also be downloaded/installed alongside other content. The marketing tactic of packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is called "bundling". Download from untrustworthy channels and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, once clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install adware without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified sources. Exercising caution during download/installation processes is paramount. Hence, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We also advise caution when browsing. Untrustworthy websites and intrusive ads appear innocuous; however, they redirect to highly questionable pages (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If such adverts/redirects are encountered, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins detected. If your computer is already infected with Dark Viewer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the website used to promote Dark Viewer adware:

Dark Viewer adware promoting website

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Dark Viewer adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Dark Viewer adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Dark Viewer", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Dark Viewer ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Dark Viewer adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Dark Viewer did not install its browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Dark Viewer  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing Dark Viewer ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by dark viewer, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Dark Viewer ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Dark Viewer ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by dark viewer removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by dark viewer, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by dark viewer or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and negatively affect system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be dubious/malicious and cause serious issues.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) operates by displaying various advertisements on visited websites and other interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers can earn commissions from the promotion of websites, software, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Dark Viewer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal might not be an ideal solution in all cases. In some instances, even after the software itself is (manually) deleted - leftover files remain hiding in the system. What is more, these remnants can resume operations and continue causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Dark Viewer QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Dark Viewer on your mobile device.
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