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Removing "fill darker" adware-type browser extension and the ads it delivers

Also Known As: Ads by fill darker
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is fill darker?

Fill darker is a rogue browser extension that our research team discovered while inspecting scam download sites. Following our analysis, we determined that this extension operates as advertising-supported software (adware).

fill darker adware asking for permissions

Fill darker adware overview

Adware may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser, system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether fill darker (or other advertising-supported software) displays advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts promote untrustworthy/dangerous sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of downloading/installing software without user consent - once clicked.

It is important to mention that the promotion of legitimate products through adware is not undertaken or approved by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is done by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Like most adware-types, fill darker has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of fill darker or other adware on devices - may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by fill darker
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) fill darker
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.
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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 examples

Video Skipping AdsHealthiness, and Extra-Dark are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. This software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, the functions are seldom operational. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also endangers device integrity and user privacy.

How did fill darker install on my computer?

We obtained fill darker from a deceptive download page. Sites of this type are rarely accessed intentionally; most users enter them through redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is also spread through the use of the bundling marketing technique - packing regular installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., free file-hosting and third-party websites, P2P 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. Upon being clicked, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and only using official/verified download sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is exercising care when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with fill darker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the website used to promote fill darker adware:

Website promoting fill 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:
▼ 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:

Fill darker 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.

fill darker adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "fill darker", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes fill darker ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove fill darker adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing fill darker  ads 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 "fill darker", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing fill darker ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fill darker, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing fill darker ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "fill darker".

Removing fill darker ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Adware-delivered ads endorse harmful and malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, severe privacy issues, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to feed users with various advertisements. It can enable the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove fill darker adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating installed adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Since in some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden in the system. What is more, such leftovers can continue running and causing problems. Hence, adware must be removed thoroughly.

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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 fill darker QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by fill darker on your mobile device.
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