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Removing Extra-Dark adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays

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

What is Extra-Dark?

Extra-Dark is a browser extension supposedly capable of enabling dark mode for simple design websites. Our research team discovered this piece of software while inspecting dubious download webpages. After analyzing Extra-Dark, we determined that it operates as adware.

Extra-Dark adware asking for permissions

Extra-Dark adware overview

Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. For example, unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, visits to particular sites are made, or similar - advertising-supported software may not deliver ads. However, regardless of whether Extra-Dark (or other adware) displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements endorse untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - once clicked.

Any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is usually undertaken by scammers abusing affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, Extra-Dark spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software typically targets visited websites, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like Extra-Dark on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Extra-Dark
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Extra-Dark
Supposed Functionality Dark mode for simple 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

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; youtube_ad_removerEncyclopedia Wanderer, and max dark are just a few of our newest finds. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did Extra-Dark install on my computer?

We acquired Extra-Dark from its "official" download webpage. Most users enter such sites via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care. Hence, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

Screenshot of the website used to promote Extra-Dark adware:

Website promoting Extra-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:

Extra-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.

Extra-Dark adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Extra-Dark adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Extra-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 "Extra-Dark", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Extra-Dark ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by extra-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 Extra-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 "Extra-Dark".

Removing Extra-Dark ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by extra-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 extra-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 extra-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 decrease browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-displayed adverts promote deceptive/malicious content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software may also be capable force-opening sites and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers primarily generate revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Extra-Dark adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - various files remain hidden in the system. Additionally, such components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial 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 Extra-Dark QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Extra-Dark on your mobile device.
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