Removal instructions for View-Dark adware and the adverts it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is View-Dark?
View-Dark is a rogue browser extension that our research team discovered while inspecting deceptive software-endorsing sites. While View-Dark is promoted as a dark-mode tool for simple design websites, it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) instead.
View-Dark adware overview
It is pertinent to mention that adware may need certain conditions to operate as intended - display advertisements. Hence, if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or similar - this software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether View-Dark delivers ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Advertising-supported software displays adverts that push online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and apps, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine products encountered via these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, View-Dark spies on users' browsing activity. Adware typically collects the following data: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like View-Dark on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by View-Dark |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | View-Dark |
| Supposed Functionality | Dark mode for simple design 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
Playless Videos, GetItDark, Images Downloader, and Power Colors are some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. This software tends to look ordinary and harmless, and it offers various functionalities. However, these features are merely bait, and they are usually nonoperational.
How did View-Dark install on my computer?
We obtained View-Dark from a questionable software download site. In addition to these kinds of pages, adware is promoted on scam websites. Users typically access both types via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements are used to distribute advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary content. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless, yet they redirect to questionable webpages (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience ads and/or redirects of this type, check the device 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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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 View-Dark adware using Combo Cleaner:
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" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "View-Dark" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
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 displays advertisements that promote harmful content, which can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove View-Dark adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - leftovers (files) remain within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue running and causing problems. Hence, thoroughness is paramount for adware removal.
Outstanding!
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