Removing view dark browser extension and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
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 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.
| 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. |
Adware examples
Adware typically appears legitimate and offers "advantageous" functionalities, which are rarely operational. We analyzed thousands of products within this category; Make Dark, Extra-Dark, youtube_ad_remover, max 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:
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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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:
- What is view dark?
- STEP 1. Uninstall view dark application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove view dark ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by view dark' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove view dark extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
View dark 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 "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:
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 "view dark", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
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 (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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "view dark".
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, 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 view dark, 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.
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.
Outstanding!
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