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Removal instructions for the Viewndown unwanted application

Also Known As: Viewndown proxyware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Viewndown?

Our research team discovered the Viewndown application during a routine investigation of questionable sites. The app's promotional material presents it as a tool that allows users to pin a selected window and keep it on top of others.

Upon inspection, we determined that Viewndown operates as proxyware – an Internet bandwidth hijacker. It may also have other undesirable/hazardous functionalities.

Due to this behavior, Viewndown is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). It is noteworthy that these apps often infiltrate systems in bundles, i.e., together with other unwanted and even malicious software.

Viewndown unwanted application install folder

Viewndown application overview

Viewndown has a proxy leveraging ability that allows the app to use the device's Internet resources. This activity can strain the bandwidth and decrease browsing quality.

While some software promises to enable users to generate "passive income" through proxy leveraging (keep in mind that these applications are also considered a potential threat), Viewndown does not offer this. Hence, there is no benefit to this app sharing users' Internet resources.

Proxy leveraging may be utilized for legitimate purposes, such as going around geo-blocking for harmless reasons, browsing innocuous sites (e.g., news webpages/streams, e-commerce platforms, etc.), market/demographic research, and so forth. However, there are no guarantees that the traffic funneled via users' devices will be as described.

Proxyware has been used to collect personally identifiable data from government portals and other high-sensitivity websites, sneakily click advertisements on dubious/harmful pages, register social media and other accounts in bulk, visit malware-spreading webpages, and so on.

Like many PUAs, Viewndown's EULA (End User License Agreements) inform users of their behavior (i.e., proxy leveraging). Therefore, this software is considered legal, and the developers/publishers are not held liable. Additionally, the proxy services offered by these applications are typically used by third-parties – hence, exactly how they are utilized may not even be intended or monitored by the developers.

Potentially unwanted applications commonly have undesirable and possibly dangerous capabilities. These apps may also get installed together with other unwanted software.

PUAs can exhibit adware-type abilities, i.e., stealthily click ads, display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, etc.), or cause redirects. Adware-displayed adverts predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some are capable of performing sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Unwanted applications can have browser-hijacking functionalities as well. They make changes to browser settings in order to promote (via redirects) fake search engines.

Said websites usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to genuine search engines (e.g., Bing, Yahoo, Google, etc.). In the rare instances where these sites can provide search results, they are irrelevant and can include sponsored, untrustworthy, deceptive, and even malicious content.

Most PUAs collect private information, e.g., browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like Viewndown on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Viewndown proxyware
Threat Type PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application), Proxyware, Internet Bandwidth Hijacker
Supposed Functionality Keeping (i.e., pinning) a window atop others.
Detection Names (installer) Fortinet (W32/PossibleThreat), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:UDS:Server-Proxy.Win32.Taskb), MaxSecure (Trojan.Malware.178957889.susgen), Sophos (Generic Reputation PUA (PUA)), TrendMicro (Proxyware.Win32.Viewndow.A), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (app) TrendMicro (Proxyware.MSIL.ViewNDow.A), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Rogue Process Name Viewndown (process name may vary)
Symptoms Decreased Internet browsing speed. A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Rogue redirects.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling).
Damage Privacy issues, monetary losses, unwanted ads/pop-ups, slow browsing and computer performance.
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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Potentially unwanted application examples

We have analyzed countless unwanted apps; Pinaview is an application identical to Viewndown, and Y-Cleaner, VBScrollLIB, Web Resource Viewer, Personalized_notepad_with_reminders – are merely some of our latest articles on PUAs.

Unwanted software usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Viewndown has an "official" promotional webpage. PUAs are also endorsed on scam sites. Users mainly access such pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware.

Additionally, unwanted applications can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Unwanted software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is important to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Installation setup of Viewndown application:

Viewndown PUA installation setup

Viewndown application's process on Windows Task Manager ("Viewndown" – process name):

Viewndown PUA process on Task Manager (Viewndown - process name)

Website promoting Viewndown application:

Website used to promote Viewndown PUA

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:

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

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.

Viewndown uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Viewndown" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Viewndown did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the Internet, continue with the removal guide below.

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions 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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the viewndown proxyware, 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 rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with viewndown proxyware 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 viewndown proxyware, 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 viewndown proxyware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of an unwanted application?

Unwanted applications aim to generate revenue. This software can achieve this by proxy leveraging, endorsing content (e.g., via adverts, redirects, etc.), collecting data, promoting in-app purchases, and so on.

Is Viewndown unwanted application legal?

In most cases, unwanted applications (including Viewndown) are deemed legal because their End User License Agreements (EULA) provide information on the software's behavior.

Is having Viewndown installed on my computer dangerous?

Viewndown has proxy leveraging capabilities (i.e., it operates as an Internet bandwidth hijacker). Whether these abilities will be used for legitimate purposes cannot be guaranteed. If they are utilized for nefarious means, it may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, and financial losses. It is noteworthy that PUAs may also have adware and/or browser hijacker functionalities. Additionally, unwanted software usually collects sensitive data.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Viewndown unwanted application?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected unwanted/malicious apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate undesirable software 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.

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