How to eliminate Background Colors adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Background Colors"?
While checking out dubious sites that promote software, our researchers found the Background Colors browser extension. It is presented as a tool capable of changing website background colors. However, after analyzing Background Colors, we learned that instead of working as advertised - this extension operates as adware.
Background Colors adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements push online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This endorsement is typically done by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Certain factors may determine if adware displays adverts, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, whether Background Colors runs intrusive advertisement campaigns is irrelevant - as it endangers device and user safety regardless.
Background Colors has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually gathers the following information: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Background Colors on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Background Colors |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Background Colors |
| Supposed Functionality | Changing website background colors |
| 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-type applications and browser extensions; Good Blocker, Strength, text background, Getting Files, and Auto Play are just some examples of the advertising-supported software that we have inspected recently.
Adware typically looks legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation and/or purchase with a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Background Colors install on my computer?
We acquired Background Colors from a suspicious software-promoting webpage. In addition to such sites, adware is endorsed by scam websites.
These pages are primarily entered via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated using the "bundling" marketing tactic - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts are used to distribute adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase. We also advise downloading only from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Background Colors, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the website used to promote Background Colors 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 Background Colors?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Background Colors application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Background Colors ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Background Colors' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Background Colors extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Background Colors 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 "Background Colors", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Background Colors ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Background Colors adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Background Colors browser hijacker 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 "Background Colors" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by background colors, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Background Colors" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by background colors 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 background colors, 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 background colors or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. In addition to being a threat to devices, it also endangers user privacy - since advertising-supported software usually collects private data. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads) on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites or have data tracking abilities.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Background Colors adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, such remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion