Removing Extra-Dark adware-type browser extension and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Extra-Dark?
Extra-Dark is a browser extension supposedly capable of enabling dark mode for simple design websites. Our research team discovered this piece of software while inspecting dubious download webpages. After analyzing Extra-Dark, we determined that it operates as adware.
Extra-Dark adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. For example, unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, visits to particular sites are made, or similar - advertising-supported software may not deliver ads. However, regardless of whether Extra-Dark (or other adware) displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements endorse untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - once clicked.
Any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is usually undertaken by scammers abusing affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, Extra-Dark spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software typically targets visited websites, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Extra-Dark on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Extra-Dark |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Extra-Dark |
| Supposed Functionality | Dark mode for simple 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; youtube_ad_remover, Encyclopedia Wanderer, and max dark are just a few of our newest finds. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did Extra-Dark install on my computer?
We acquired Extra-Dark from its "official" download webpage. Most users enter such sites via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, 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., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care. Hence, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such ads and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Extra-Dark, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Extra-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:
▼ 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:
- What is Extra-Dark?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Extra-Dark application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Extra-Dark ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Extra-Dark' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Extra-Dark extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Extra-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 "Extra-Dark", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Extra-Dark ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Extra-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 "Extra-Dark", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by extra-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 "Extra-Dark".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by extra-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 extra-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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by extra-dark or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-displayed adverts promote deceptive/malicious content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software may also be capable force-opening sites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily generate revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Extra-Dark adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - various files remain hidden in the system. Additionally, such components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion