How to remove Real Dark adware-type extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Real Dark?
Real Dark is yet another rogue browser extension promising to create a dark mode for websites. Our researchers discovered this piece of software while inspecting dubious download sites. After analyzing Real Dark, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).
Real Dark adware overview
Adware can require certain specifications to be met in order to deliver browser notifications. For example, this software may not run advertisement campaigns unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, visits to particular sites are made, etc. Regardless of whether Real Dark (or other adware) displays adverts or not, its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads typically promote untrustworthy/hazardous websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install software - when clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers. Instead, scammers abuse affiliate programs and employ adware to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Real Dark has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of Real Dark or other adware on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Real Dark |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Real 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
Bloom, ePedia, Everyday Quote, Rainbow Blocker - are merely some examples of the adware-type apps and browser extensions we have analyzed. This software appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Real Dark install on my computer?
We acquired Real Dark from its "official" download page. Users typically enter such websites inadvertently. Most enter them through sites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed) into installers of regular programs. Download from untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and only downloading from official and verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., reading terms, exploring all possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is approaching browsing with caution - since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such adverts and/or redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Real Dark, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Real 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 Real Dark?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Real Dark application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Real Dark ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Real Dark' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Real Dark extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Real 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 "Real Dark", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Real Dark ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Real Dark adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove real dark adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Real Dark", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by real 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 "Real Dark".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by real 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 real 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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also a privacy threat due to the data tracking abilities this software usually possesses. Furthermore, adware-displayed adverts typically promote deceptive/malicious material, which can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its capabilities can include displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers mainly profit through affiliate programs commissions received for the endorsement of various sites, apps, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Real Dark adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It is worth mentioning that manual removal might not be a perfect solution since various files can get left behind. Hence, even though the software itself is deleted, its components might remain and continue running. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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