What is VLC Addon
VLC Addon refers to a deceptive adware program that’s advertised as an add-on for the VLC media player. Despite what the ads may say, this VLC Addon has nothing to do with VLC, it’s merely promoted as a VLC add-on to trick users into installing it. It’s promoted as an extension that can improve the browsing experience but in reality, it will only make it more bothersome by spamming you with various ads. Technically, it’s not considered to be malware but that does not mean it should remain installed on your computer. The sooner you remove VLC Addon from your computer, the better.
While VLC Addon is advertised as a useful extension, it’s nothing more than adware. And it certainly has nothing to do with the VLC media player. The VLC brand name is merely used to trick users into downloading the extension. But the adware can also install using the software bundling method. Once installed, it will spam your browser with ads.
An adware infection will be very noticeable, not only because you’ll see an increase in ads but also because you’ll be shown intrusive pop-ups and redirected to questionable websites. This is can become very annoying very quickly. It’s also worth mentioning that while adware isn’t directly dangerous to the computer, it can lead you to dangerous websites that hide malware and promote scams. Therefore, we don’t recommend you interact with any ads while adware is installed on your computer because you could end up with a serious malware infection on your computer.
The adware is likely collecting your browsing information, tracking what sites you visit, what you search for, your IP address, what content you interact with, etc. This information is also usually shared with third parties who use it for advertising purposes. While adware doesn’t collect personal information, there’s no reason to put up with any kind of data collection. Especially considering that all you’re getting from the VLC Addon is ads and a bad browsing experience.
If you notice this extension on your computer, the sooner you remove VLC Addon, the better. It would be easiest to use anti-virus software because the program would take care of everything. However, you can uninstall VLC Addon manually, though that may take more time and effort.
How is adware installed?
Infections like adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs are often installed via the free software bundling method. The way software bundling works is programs can have additional offers attached to them. These offers are permitted to install automatically alongside the program, without requiring explicit permission from users. In many cases, the offers are adware and browser hijackers. The offers are technically optional but they need to be manually deselected to prevent their installation. However, because they’re often hidden, users do not notice them and are unable to prevent their installations. Fortunately, it’s very easy to stop added offers from installing as long as you pay attention during installation.
During freeware installation, you will have the option to choose either Default (Basic) or Advanced (Custom) settings. The installation window will recommend you use Default but these settings will hide all added offers and allow them to install alongside automatically. However, if you opt for Advanced settings, not only will the offers be made visible but you will also have the option to deselect all of them. All you need to do is uncheck the boxes of those offers. Even if an offer seems useful at first sight, we don’t recommend allowing any of them to install. It’s much easier to uncheck a couple of boxes than it is to have to uninstall infections like adware later on. We also recommend downloading programs from their official websites rather than third-party sites. Programs downloaded from official websites are less likely to have extra offers.
The VLC Addon is also distributed via deceptive advertisements. You can come across it being advertised on various questionable websites. It’s advertised as an add-on for the VLC media player, and it will supposedly make your browsing experience better. If you recall installing this program yourself, we strongly recommend you do more research before installing programs in the future. A simple search with Google or another search engine is usually enough. You should also only download programs from their official websites. Never download anything from ads.
VLC Addon removal
Adware isn’t a particularly dangerous or complex infection so can try to remove VLC Addon manually. If you know what to do, it’s shouldn’t be too complicated, though adware infections tend to be quite persistent. It would be much easier to delete VLC Addon using an anti-virus program. Most anti-virus vendors detect adware so you have a wide range of programs to choose from. Once the adware is gone from your computer, the intrusive ads and redirects will stop.