How to remove the shade area adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is shade area?
shade area adware is promoted as a tool for changing the color of the selected areas on websites. We have discovered this app on a deceptive website claiming that it is required to install a secure Chrome extension. After installing this app, we found that it generates advertisements. Thus, we classified shade area as adware.
shade area in detail
Clicking advertisements displayed by shade area can open shady websites. It is common for ads displayed by apps like shade area to open various scam pages asking to provide sensitive information, encouraging to download shady apps, etc. In some cases, clicking such ads can cause unwanted downloads or installations.
It is worth mentioning that adware can be designed to collect browsing-related data like IP addresses, browsing history, or even sensitive information (such as credit card details, passwords, etc.). Thus, it is strongly recommended not to download adware, especially from shady websites.
| Name | Ads by shade area |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
A big part of advertising-supported applications like shade area usually is promoted as useful, legitimate software. Usually, the main purpose of these apps is to generate intrusive ads. In some cases, they can hijack web browsers and (or) collect data. More adware examples are Weather, Video Ad Remover, and Prime.
How did adware install on my computer?
Like most apps of this kind, shade area is distributed via a deceptive website. We have found that a website used to distribute shade area claims that it is required to install this app to view and download secure filetypes.
It is also common for adware to be bundled with other software or downloaded via deceptive advertisements. Adware installs via installers for other software after users complete the installation steps without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from official websites (and use direct download links). Do not download them from shady pages or using third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources. Also, do not click on ads and fake buttons displayed by dubious websites. Deselect optional (unwanted) installations before installing software.
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Deceptive website encouraging to install shade area:
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:
- What is shade area?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "shade area" and other suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by shade area, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by shade area removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by shade area, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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 shade area or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can slow down a computer, display ads covering contents of visited websites (and diminish web browsing experience in other ways), invade privacy, and cause other issues.
What does adware do?
As a rule, adware displays annoying advertisements. Additionally, it can hijack a web browser and (or) collect various information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, they use various affiliate programs to promote websites, services, products, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove shade area adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware. It will remove all files and other components belonging to adware (which can be difficult to achieve manually).
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion