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Removing view dark browser extension and the advertisements it displays

Also Known As: Ads by view dark
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is view dark?

View dark is a browser extension our researchers discovered while looking through deceptive download webpages. This piece of software promises to enable dark mode for websites that do not have it.

After inspecting view dark, we determined that it operates as adware. This extension runs intrusive advertisement campaigns (delivers ads) and spies on users' browsing activity.

view dark adware asking for permissions

View dark adware overview

Adware might not display adverts if the browser/system specs or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to particular websites are not made, or other conditions are unmet. However, regardless of whether view dark (or different advertising-supported software) delivers advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-displayed ads endorse various unreliable/hazardous webpages and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - upon being clicked.

Any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are highly unlikely to be promoted in this manner by their developers. Instead, this promotion is mainly undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, view dark has data tracking abilities. Adware typically gathers browsing data (e.g., visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, etc.), personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking related information, and so forth. The collected data is monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like view dark on devices - can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by view dark
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) view dark
Supposed Functionality Dark mode tool 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

Adware typically appears legitimate and offers "advantageous" functionalities, which are rarely operational. We analyzed thousands of products within this category; Make DarkExtra-Darkyoutube_ad_removermax dark, and Scroll to Top are merely some examples of our latest finds.

How did view dark install on my computer?

We obtained view dark from a deceptive download page. In addition to scam sites, adware can also have "official" promotional webpages. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Bundling - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements - is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements are employed in adware distribution as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified sources. Additionally, installations must be approached with caution, which includes - reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is being vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious material typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with view dark, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshots of the websites used to promote view dark adware:

Website promoting view dark adware 1 Website promoting view dark adware 2

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:

View dark 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.

view dark adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove view dark adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing view dark  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 "view dark", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing view dark ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by view dark, 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 view dark 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "view dark".

Removing view dark ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by view dark 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 view dark, 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 view dark or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware endangers device integrity and user safety. It can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Adware-delivered advertisements typically promote untrustworthy/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

The primary functionality of adware is to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue mainly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove view dark adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) eliminated - various remnants (files) stay in the system. What is more, these components might continue running and 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 view dark QR code
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