Removal instructions for the Viewndown unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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 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.
| 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. |
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 application's process on Windows Task Manager ("Viewndown" – process name):
Website promoting Viewndown application:
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 Viewndown?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
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 "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:
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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
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 (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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
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, 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 viewndown proxyware, 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 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.
Outstanding!
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