How to remove Page Darker adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Page Darker?
Page Darker is a browser extension promising to create a dark mode for simple websites. After analyzing this piece of software, we have determined that it operates as adware. Page Darker delivers intrusive ad campaigns and spies on users' browsing activity.
Page Darker adware overview
When Page Darker was installed onto our test machine, it began running intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displayed various adverts. It must be mentioned that adware may need compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc. - to operate as designed. However, even if Page Darker (or other advertising-supported software) does not deliver advertisements - its presence on a device remains harmful.
Adware-displayed adverts promote a wide variety of scams, untrustworthy/dangerous websites and software, and in some cases - even malware. Furthermore, intrusive ads may be capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - once clicked.
It is noteworthy that legitimate products can be encountered through such adverts, but they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This marketing method is primarily used by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
What is more, Page Darker has data tracking abilities. Adware usually targets browsing data (e.g., URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.), personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking information, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of Page Darker or other advertising-supported software on a device can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Page Darker |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Page Darker |
| Supposed Functionality | Enabling dark mode for simple designed 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. |
Adware examples
We have researched thousands of adware samples; TikTok Finder, Buyers Assistant, External Links Tool, and SpeedTestMe are just a few examples. This software looks legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, the features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did Page Darker install on my computer?
We obtained Page Darker from a dubious download site, which was discovered during a routine inspection of content pushed through spam browser notifications. Other ways users can access such webpages include - mistyped URLs or redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (capable of force-opening webpages).
Software "bundling" - packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious channels (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial and freeware websites, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are used to distribute advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading from official/trustworthy sources. Additionally, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions - when installing.
We also recommend exercising caution while browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter advertisements and/or redirects of this type, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Page Darker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the websites used to promote Page Darker 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Page Darker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Page Darker application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Page Darker ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Page Darker' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Page Darker extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Page Darker 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 "Page Darker", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Page Darker ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Page Darker adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially 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 "Page Darker", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by page darker, 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 plugins 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 "Page Darker".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by page darker 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 page darker, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware endangers device and user safety. It may decrease system performance and browsing quality. This software may also have data tracking abilities, thereby making it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying various adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types can also force-open dubious webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit from affiliate programs by promoting sites, software, services, etc. Commission may be earned from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Page Darker adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - file leftovers remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is strongly advised to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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