How to remove ClickDark application from a web browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ClickDark?
After testing the ClickDark application, our team learned that it shows annoying advertisements. Therefore, we classified ClickDark as adware. We discovered this app while examining deceptive websites offering/instructing us to download supposedly useful (or required) browser extensions.
ClickDark in detail
ClickDark is promoted as an application (browser extension) that provides a dark mode for simple websites. However, it is not disclosed that ClickDark displays unwanted advertisements (banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, and other advertising material).
Advertisements shown by ClickDark can be designed to open deceptive websites asking to provide personal information, call fake technical support numbers, download potentially malicious apps, etc. Also, clicking on those ads can cause unwanted downloads or even installations.
Another issue with ClickDark is that it can read and change data on all visited pages. Accessed data may be misused for marketing or even malicious purposes. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to trust ClickDark and similar apps and remove installed/added ones as soon as possible.
| Name | Ads by ClickDark |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
All advertising-supported applications share the same quality - they generate annoying/unwanted advertisements. It is common for those ads to be promoting questionable websites, apps, etc. In addition to showing ads, such apps can be designed to hijack web browsers and gather information.
More adware examples are Black-Lights, Darknes, and Mega Colors.
How did adware install on my computer?
We found at least two questionable web pages offering to download and add the ClickDark browser extension to a web browser. One of those sites claims that it might be required to add this app for an unspecified reason. It gets added after following the provided instructions.
It is also common for adware to be bundled with other software. It is included in installers as an optional installation. Users install adware after they finish installations without deselecting unwanted apps (changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings).
Also, adware can be distributed via untrustworthy advertisements by designing them to run certain scripts. In all cases, users rarely download and install adware on purpose.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from official websites and stores. Read reviews before installing applications. Do not use unofficial pages, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources to download apps (or files). Check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps and deselect them before finishing downloads and installations.
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
A deceptive page promoting ClickDark:
Another page promoting ClickDark:
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 ClickDark?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove 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 "ClickDark" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by clickdark, 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 plug-ins 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by clickdark 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 clickdark, 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 clickdark or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Depending on the advertising-supported application, it can slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience by showing ads that cover the contents of visited pages or even invade privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware can have some supposedly useful features. However, it also shows unwanted advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various products, websites, or services. Most of them participate in affiliate programs and use similar methods to monetize adware.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ClickDark adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will automatically remove adware without leaving anything belonging to adware in the system. No files or other components will remain after the removal (which can be difficult to achieve while trying to remove adware manually).
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