Removing Dark Viewer adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
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 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.
| 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. |
Adware examples
AlphaSpeedBooster, SafeTravel, 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:
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Dark Viewer?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Dark Viewer application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Dark Viewer ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Dark Viewer' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Dark Viewer extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Dark Viewer adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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.
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 (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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.
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, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
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 (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
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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.
Outstanding!
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