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How to remove Real Dark adware-type extension and the ads it displays

Also Known As: Ads by Real Dark
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Real Dark?

Real Dark is yet another rogue browser extension promising to create a dark mode for websites. Our researchers discovered this piece of software while inspecting dubious download sites. After analyzing Real Dark, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).

Real Dark adware asking for permissions

Real Dark adware overview

Adware can require certain specifications to be met in order to deliver browser notifications. For example, this software may not run advertisement campaigns unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, visits to particular sites are made, etc. Regardless of whether Real Dark (or other adware) displays adverts or not, its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads typically promote untrustworthy/hazardous websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install software - when clicked.

It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers. Instead, scammers abuse affiliate programs and employ adware to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, Real Dark has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of Real Dark or other adware on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Real Dark
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Real Dark
Supposed Functionality Dark mode for 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.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

BloomePediaEveryday QuoteRainbow Blocker - are merely some examples of the adware-type apps and browser extensions we have analyzed. This software appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did Real Dark install on my computer?

We acquired Real Dark from its "official" download page. Users typically enter such websites inadvertently. Most enter them through sites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed) into installers of regular programs. Download from untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and only downloading from official and verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., reading terms, exploring all possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is approaching browsing with caution - since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If you experience such adverts and/or redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Real Dark, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the website used to promote Real Dark adware:

Website promoting Real 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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Real Dark adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Real Dark adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Real Dark", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Real Dark ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Real Dark adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove real dark adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Real Dark  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Real Dark", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Real Dark ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by real dark, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Real Dark ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Real Dark".

Removing Real Dark ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by real dark removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by real dark, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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 real dark or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also a privacy threat due to the data tracking abilities this software usually possesses. Furthermore, adware-displayed adverts typically promote deceptive/malicious material, which can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its capabilities can include displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers mainly profit through affiliate programs commissions received for the endorsement of various sites, apps, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Real Dark adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It is worth mentioning that manual removal might not be a perfect solution since various files can get left behind. Hence, even though the software itself is deleted, its components might remain and continue running. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Real Dark QR code
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