What is viewmgr.exe? Should I remove it?

Viewmgr.exe – a part of ViewPoint Media Player that might be bundled with other software

Viewmgr.exe is a component of a legitimate application called ViewPoint Media Player, used to show multimedia content. There are plenty of such programs available, and some are downloading them due to their functionality, although other users could have installed it unintentionally when installing freeware from a through party source. It is known that the player is bundled with potentially unwanted programs such as AOL Instant Messenger, AOL toolbar, Compuserve, and some Adobe products.

Upon installation of the app, Viewmgr.exe is implemented on the device and is set to be started with every Windows boot. It is not an unusual behavior as some programs require additional startup items or processes to be run in the background for their functionality; this one is known to use it for downloading and installing updates for the app automatically.

However, this is not the only function of the process: each time users open their Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser, their online activities are monitored. The following data may be collected and later shared with unknown third parties:

• IP address
• Websites visited and links clicked
• Search queries
• Technical device information
• Approximate location
• Cookies, etc.

There is no doubt that such activity may violate user's privacy. Although you should keep in mind that Google, Facebook, and many other tech companies also collect a vast amount of user data, some of which might be personal, so it is up to you to decide whether you can tolerate it or not.

Thus, while Viewmgr.exe is initially useful due to its main function if the associated app is installed (applying updates for all your installed apps is very important to avoid software vulnerabilities from being exploited by cybercriminals), keep in mind that data collection and transfer will occur.

If you do not use the ViewPoint Media Player or it was installed via the software bundle, it is highly recommended you remove Viewmgr.exe along with the app. Alternatively, you can disable the startup item via the Task Manager – we provide detailed instructions below.

In the meantime, you should check your system with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or another anti-malware to ensure that no malicious software is present. FortectIntego can also be used to clean your web browsers properly. Besides, the app can also fix virus damage if such was sustained due to the infection.

Beware of bundled programs – some of them might be more than unwanted

Software bundling is a common practice when it comes to application distribution and, while it is more prominent on third-party websites, well-known and established brands such as Avast or Adobe are known to also bundle their products everywhere. These apps are not harmful in any way, and you can easily delete them.

However, it is also known that bundling can also be used to deliver malware, for example:

• uTorrent installer was once caught spreading crypto-mining malware;
• Djvu ransomware variants are known to be delivered via pirated program installers.

Therefore, when dealing with an installer that includes several programs, you should watch over the installation process carefully in order to avoid PUPs. Always pick Advanced or Custom settings when such are available and remove all the ticks of the checkboxes.

Disable or uninstall Viewmgr.exe to protect your privacy

As already mentioned, you could have installed the media player unintentionally. If that is the case, you should simply uninstall the program, just taking up the resources. However, if you prefer the app's functionality and do not mind data collection, you can keep it installed and running.

Another choice you have is to disable the startup item which launches the Viewmgr.exe process. To do that, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Startup tab, right-click on the Viewpoint Manager entry and select Disable. This way, the app will not launch automatically each time you boot your PC. Finally, you should perform a full system scan with anti-malware software and then use FortectIntego to clean cookies and other data from your web browsers.