Removal instructions for Pro Dark adware-type browser extension and its ads
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Pro Dark?
Our researchers discovered the Pro Dark browser extension while inspecting content promoted by deceptive download webpages. This piece of software promises to enable dark mode for websites. However, after analyzing Pro Dark, we determined that it operates as adware.
Pro Dark adware overview
Following successful installation onto our test system, Pro Dark began running intrusive ad campaigns (i.e., displaying advertisements). It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.) - to deliver adverts. Regardless of whether Pro Dark (or other adware) displays ads - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements typically promote unreliable/harmful websites and software, scams, and malware. Any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, scammers use this advertising technique to obtain illegitimate commissions from affiliate programs.
Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software without user permission.
Pro Dark also spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software usually targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable information, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Pro Dark on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Pro Dark |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Pro Dark |
| Supposed Functionality | Dark mode for 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; AdzShield, Get Icons, and Page Darker are a few of the latest ones. This software usually appears harmless and offers "advantageous" functionalities. However, despite how handy the features may sound - they are rarely operational.
How did Pro Dark install on my computer?
We acquired Pro Dark from a deceptive download page on which it was presented as an "important" Chrome browser update.
Both scam sites and "official" promotional webpages are used in adware proliferation. Users typically access such via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, 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., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, freeware and third-party download sites, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to stealthily download/install unwanted software (adware included).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also advise exercising caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Pro Dark, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the deceptive websites used to promote Pro 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is Pro Dark?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Pro Dark application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Pro Dark ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Pro Dark' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Pro Dark extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Pro Dark 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 "Pro Dark", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Pro Dark ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Pro Dark 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 "Pro Dark", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by pro dark, 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 "Pro Dark".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by pro dark 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 pro dark, 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 can decrease browsing quality and diminish system performance. This software is also a threat to user privacy - since it typically has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily from affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Pro Dark adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is important to note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, although the adware itself is (manually) removed - various remnants stay in the system. Furthermore, these components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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