Removing "fill darker" adware-type browser extension and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
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 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.
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. |
Adware examples
Video Skipping Ads, Healthiness, 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:
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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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 fill darker?
- STEP 1. Uninstall fill darker application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove fill darker ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by fill darker' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove fill darker extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Fill 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 "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:
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 "fill darker", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
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 (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 "fill darker".
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, 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 fill 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 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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