What Is Dark Viewer?
Dark Viewer is the name of a potentially unwanted program that tricks people to add it to their devices. It forces people to see suspicious adverts and use a hoax search engine. The reason why Dark Viewer is categorized as adware is its capability of showing bogus adverts that generate revenue for its operators. Without asking for permission the program could affect by all of the installed web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Safari.
The good news is Dark Viewer is not a malicious app. The bad news is it lowers online security and makes the system more vulnerable to other severe malware infections.
Check this guide for instructions on how to remove Dark Viewer adware from the affected browser and clean leftovers from the operating system (Windows or macOS).
Dark Viewer Summary
| Name | Dark Viewer |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which leads to slow computer speed and low security level. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages that promote it as useful app. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Device Has Been Affected by Dark Viewer
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Malware Removal Tool
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Dark Viewer PUP – How Did I Get It?
PUPs – adware, browser hijackers, browser extensions, etc. use a few methods to trick people to install them without noticing. Dark Viewer may also use those methods to end up on your computer and here is which they are:
- Various suspicious sites are designed to offer the undesired app as legitimate and useful. Pop-ups, download buttons, in-text links and other clickable elements may appear on such pages.
- Other free apps that feature it somewhere in their installers. Typically, they add it automatically on your computer.
Software bundles may be various types of apps including free media players, file conversion programs, image editing applications, etc. Below you can see an exampple of installation setup that is configured to install additional third-party program which may be both unwanted and harmful:
Some other recently discovered programs that behave in the same way as Dark Viewer are Notelt, Pure Dark, and Keep Fast Search.
Dark Viewer Adware – What Does It Do?
Dark Viewer may firstly modify a lot of the settings of your web browser and computer system. Most often, these settings include changing your homepage, new tab page and the default search engine of the web browsers you are using. Other changes include adding browser extensions and plug-ins.
Among the activities of the Dark Viewer application could be registered the installation of different types of trackers, like cookies and unsolicited data collection. Here is a browser affected by cookies illustrated:
These types of tracking technologies are most often utilized with the main idea to slither advertisements that are based on what you search for online. Search ads could be of the following kinds:
- Redirect adverts.
- Push notification pop-ups.
- Text ads, highlighted on the sites you visit.
- Banner ads.
- Ad-supported results when you search something.
- Pop-up ads.
Both personally and non-personally identifiable information may be gathered by the adware and transferred to remote servers.
Is Dark Viewer a Virus?
Dark Viewer is not a malicious program that corrupts systems to extort money. But the truth is that is could be just as dangerous as any serious computer virus like Nqhd ransomware.
Considering the fact that the primary goal of this software is to monetize its presence on the device via suspicious adverts, it could lure you to visit some very dangerous websites. Then you may end up being redirected to the following dangerous sites that may be very harmful for your online security:
- Phishing pages.
- Sites that host viruses.
- Online scams.
- Fraudulent tech support scams.
- Download URLs for malware masked as fake software.
- Redirect loops that force browsers to pass through long URLs running malicious scripts.
- Fake survey scams.
Keep reading this article to learn more about Dark Viewer adware and how you can remove it from your computer system fully.
How to Remove Dark Viewer PUP
To remove Dark Viewer adware with all files it has established on your system, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen PC security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
The most effective removal tested is with anti-malware software. The professional tool of this type listed in the instructions below is specially created to thoroughly scan your device and clean any malicious software and trackers. The program will keep your PC/Mac safe in the future as well.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Dark Viewer from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Dark Viewer with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Dark Viewer and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Dark Viewer on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Dark Viewer there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Dark Viewer (Windows).
Get rid of Dark Viewer from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Dark Viewer and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Dark Viewer. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Dark Viewer via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Dark Viewer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Dark Viewer, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Dark Viewer (Mac)
Remove Dark Viewer from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Dark Viewer from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Dark Viewer from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Dark Viewer from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Dark Viewer will be removed.
Eliminate Dark Viewer from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Dark Viewer-FAQ
What Is Dark Viewer?
The Dark Viewer threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Dark Viewer?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Dark Viewer?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Dark Viewer Work?
Once installed, Dark Viewer can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Dark Viewer can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Dark Viewer Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Dark Viewer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dark Viewer how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Dark Viewer?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Dark Viewer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.