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How to remove Dark Reader for Chrome from a browser

Also Known As: Ads by Dark Reader for Chrome
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Dark Reader for Chrome?

Dark Reader for Chrome is a browser extension promoted as a tool enabling users to use a dark theme for all websites. While testing this app, our team found that it displays annoying/intrusive advertisements. Apps that show ads are classified as adware. It is uncommon for adware to be downloaded and installed on purpose.

Dark Reader for Chrome adware

Dark Reader for Chrome in detail

Dark Reader for Chrome and other advertising-supported applications bombard users with pop-up ads, banners, surveys, coupons, or other advertising material. It is not safe to click ads displayed by adware - they can open potentially malicious web pages and even cause undesirable downloads and installations.

Ads shown by Dark Reader for Chrome may open technical support pages, phishing sites, and other websites designed to lure visitors into providing personal information, downloading malware, paying for unnecessary (or fake) software or services, etc. Also, those ads can open websites offering to download shady software.

Also, Dark Reader for Chrome can read and change all data on all websites. Its developers may be using it to obtain information about users. Depending on the gathered data, they may sell it to third parties, use it for marketing purposes, etc.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Dark Reader for Chrome
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

The purpose of advertising-supported software is to display various advertisements. Adware can have additional capabilities. E.g., adware can hijack a web browser (change its settings to promote a fake search engine) and collect data. Most adware-type appls are promoted as legitimate and useful. However, all of them display ads.

More adware examples are Multiple Account, Text to Google Maps, and border colors.

How did adware install on my computer?

We found Dark Reader for Chrome on its official page. It gets added to a web browser after completing the steps on that page. It is important to mention that adware is often distributed using deceptive methods such as fake installers, untrustworthy advertisements, and software bundles.

Installers containing adware have "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual", or other settings (or ticked checkboxes). Adware gets installed alongside other software when installations are finished without changing those settings.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Do not download apps and files from questionable websites or use Peer-to-Peer networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites, and other unreliable sources to download them. Download them only from official pages and stores. Also, do not trust ads appearing on torrent sites, adult pages, and similar pages, or allow these sites to show notifications.

Deselect unwanted downloads and installations before downloading and installing software bundled with adware or other questionable apps. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Official website promoting Dark Reader for Chrome browser extension:

dark reader for chrome adware promoter

Deceptive websites promoting Dark Reader for Chrome adware:

Deceptive site used to promote Dark Reader for Chrome adware (sample 1) Deceptive site used to promote Dark Reader for Chrome adware (sample 2)

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.

Dark Reader for Chrome 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 Dark Reader for Chrome adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Dark Reader for Chrome 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 "Dark Reader for Chrome" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Dark Reader for Chrome adware from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by dark reader for chrome, 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 Dark Reader for Chrome 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 Dark Reader for Chrome adware from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can affect the performance of a computer (slow it down) and diminish the web browsing experience. Also, it can cause issues related to online privacy.

What does adware do?

Usually, adware displays annoying advertisements. Additionally, it can be designed to change the settings of a web browser (e.g., homepage, new tab page, and default search engine) and gather data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

It is common for adware to be monetized via affiliate programs. It is used to promote websites, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Dark Reader for Chrome adware?

Combo Cleaner will run a system scan and remove detected adware. It is recommended to remove adware automatically to avoid leaving various file leftovers belonging to adware hidden in the system. After manual removal, some of its components may remain in the system even if the software itself is eliminated.

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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 Dark Reader for Chrome QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Dark Reader for Chrome on your mobile device.
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