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How to remove ClickDark application from a web browser

Also Known As: Ads by ClickDark
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ClickDark?

After testing the ClickDark application, our team learned that it shows annoying advertisements. Therefore, we classified ClickDark as adware. We discovered this app while examining deceptive websites offering/instructing us to download supposedly useful (or required) browser extensions.

ClickDark adware

ClickDark in detail

ClickDark is promoted as an application (browser extension) that provides a dark mode for simple websites. However, it is not disclosed that ClickDark displays unwanted advertisements (banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, and other advertising material).

Advertisements shown by ClickDark can be designed to open deceptive websites asking to provide personal information, call fake technical support numbers, download potentially malicious apps, etc. Also, clicking on those ads can cause unwanted downloads or even installations.

Another issue with ClickDark is that it can read and change data on all visited pages. Accessed data may be misused for marketing or even malicious purposes. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to trust ClickDark and similar apps and remove installed/added ones as soon as possible.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ClickDark
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.
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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 in general

All advertising-supported applications share the same quality - they generate annoying/unwanted advertisements. It is common for those ads to be promoting questionable websites, apps, etc. In addition to showing ads, such apps can be designed to hijack web browsers and gather information.

More adware examples are Black-Lights, Darknes, and Mega Colors.

How did adware install on my computer?

We found at least two questionable web pages offering to download and add the ClickDark browser extension to a web browser. One of those sites claims that it might be required to add this app for an unspecified reason. It gets added after following the provided instructions.

It is also common for adware to be bundled with other software. It is included in installers as an optional installation. Users install adware after they finish installations without deselecting unwanted apps (changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings).

Also, adware can be distributed via untrustworthy advertisements by designing them to run certain scripts. In all cases, users rarely download and install adware on purpose.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download applications from official websites and stores. Read reviews before installing applications. Do not use unofficial pages, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources to download apps (or files). Check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps and deselect them before finishing downloads and installations.

If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

A deceptive page promoting ClickDark:

clickdark adware deceptive promoter

Another page promoting ClickDark:

clickdark adware promoter

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:

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.

ClickDark adware uninstall via Control Panel

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:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing ClickDark adware 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 "ClickDark" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing ClickDark adware from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by clickdark, 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing ClickDark adware from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing ClickDark adware from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by clickdark 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 clickdark, 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 clickdark or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Depending on the advertising-supported application, it can slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience by showing ads that cover the contents of visited pages or even invade privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware can have some supposedly useful features. However, it also shows unwanted advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners).

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various products, websites, or services. Most of them participate in affiliate programs and use similar methods to monetize adware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ClickDark adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will automatically remove adware without leaving anything belonging to adware in the system. No files or other components will remain after the removal (which can be difficult to achieve while trying to remove adware manually).

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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 ClickDark QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ClickDark on your mobile device.
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