Removal guide Ransomware

How To Remove Upsilon Ransomware [Virus Removal Guide]

By Stelian5 min read

If you cannot open your images, documents, or files and they have a .upsil0n extension, then your computer is infected with the Upsilon ransomware.

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The Upsilon Ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts the personal documents found on the victim’s computer with the “.upsil0n” extension, then displays a message which offers to decrypt the data if payment in Bitcoin is made.

Image: Upsilon ransomware
Image: Upsilon ransomware

What is the Upsilon ransomware?

Upsilon is a file-encrypting ransomware infection that restricts access to data (documents, images, videos) by encrypting files with the “.upsil0n” extension. It then attempts to extort money from victims by asking for “ransom”, in the form of Bitcoin cryptocurrency, in exchange for access to data.

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The Upsilon ransomware will scan your computer for images, videos, and important productivity documents and files such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf. When these files are detected, the ransomware will encrypt them and change their extension to “.upsil0n”, so that you are no longer able to open them.

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Once the Upsilon ransomware has encrypted the files on your computer, it will display a ransom note and instructions on how to contact the authors of this ransomware.

This is the ransom note that the Upsilon ransomware will show to its victims:

Woops,All Your Files Have Been Encrypted!

All Your Important Files Have Been Encrypted By Upsilon Ransomware.

You Won’t Be Able To Decrypt Or Open Them.

Can I Get My Files Back?

Sure,You Can Decrypt All Your Files Easily With Our Decryption Software.

How Do I Pay?

Payment Is Accepted In Bitcoin Only.

You Only Have 3 Days To Submit The Payment,After That The Price Will Be Duplied.

We recommend not to remove upsilon.exe, or files will not be decrypted even if you paid!

Send $500 Worth Of Bitcoins To This Address: mpf7VMJEcqhAFEGKUkV2734535sRBxzbiN

Unfortunately, it is not currently possible to decrypt the files encrypted by the Upsilon ransomware. It may, though, be possible in the future if the decryption keys are recovered from the cybercriminals’ servers. Therefore, if you do not plan on paying the ransom, it is advised that you make an image of the encrypted drives so that you can possibly decrypt them in the future.


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How did the Upsilon ransomware get on my computer?

The Upsilon ransomware is distributed via spam email containing infected attachments, fake software cracks, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system and installed programs.

Here’s how the Upsilon ransomware might get on your computer:

  1. Spam emails: Cybercriminals spam out an email, with forged header information, tricking you into believing that it is from a shipping company like DHL or FedEx. The email tells you that they tried to deliver a package to you, but failed for some reason. Sometimes the emails claim to be notifications of a shipment you have made. Either way, you can’t resist being curious as to what the email is referring to – and open the attached file (or click on a link inside the email). And with that, your computer is infected with the Upsilon ransomware.
    Be alert for people trying to trick you. Whether it’s your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it’s easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn’t make messages more trustworthy.
  2. Cracks and keygens: The Upsilon ransomware is distributed using fake software cracks or through free programs you download off of the Internet.
    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
  3. Exploits: The Upsilon ransomware was also observed attacking victims by exploiting vulnerabilities in the program installed on the computer or the operating system itself. Commonly exploited software includes the operating system itself, browsers, Microsoft Office, and third-party applications.
    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

Remove the Upsilon ransomware and recover the files

It’s important to understand that by starting the removal process you risk losing your files, as we cannot guarantee that you will be able to recover them. Your files may be permanently compromised when trying to remove this infection or trying to recover the encrypted documents.
We cannot be held responsible for losing your files or documents during this removal process.

It’s recommended to create a backup image of the encrypted drives or files before proceeding with the malware removal instructions so that you can restore them if the decryption keys are recovered from the cybercriminals’ servers. To create a backup for your encrypted files or drives, you can use EaseUS Todo Backup Free.

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubts at any point, stop and ask for our assistance.
To remove the Upsilon ransomware, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

In this first step, we will start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent Upsilon malicious drivers and services from loading at Windows start-up. We’re using Safe mode because it starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers.

Safe Mode with Networking starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading — making it much easier to remove. First, we’ll open the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE):

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings. If that doesn’t work, right-click the Start button and select Settings. Then, in the right-hand pane, click Recovery.
    Go to Windows Settings
  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. Save any open work first — your PC will restart immediately.
    Recovery window in Windows 10

Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, follow these steps to reach Safe Mode:

  1. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
    Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network
  2. On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced Options.
    Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 2
  3. On the Advanced Options page, click Startup Settings.
    Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 3
  4. On the Startup Settings page, click Restart.
    Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 4
  5. After your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of startup options. Press 5 or F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.
    Boot in Safe Mode Windows 11
  6. You’ll know you’re in Safe Mode when “Safe Mode” appears in the corners of the screen. Now continue with the next step of this guide — downloading and running Malwarebytes (explained in Step 2).
Safe Mode with Networking starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading — making it much easier to remove. First, we’ll open the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE):

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings. If that doesn’t work, click the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).
    Go to Windows Settings
  2. In the Windows Settings window, select Update & Security, then click Recovery.
    Recovery window in Windows 10
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. Save any open work first — your PC will restart immediately.
    Open Advance Startup

Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, follow these steps to reach Safe Mode:

  1. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
    Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network
  2. On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced Options.
    Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 2
  3. On the Advanced Options page, click Startup Settings. (On Windows 8, this option is labeled Windows Startup Settings.)
    Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 3
  4. On the Startup Settings page, click Restart.
    Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 4
  5. After your PC restarts, you’ll see a list of startup options. Press 5 or F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.
    Boot in Safe Mode Windows 10
  6. You’ll know you’re in Safe Mode when “Safe Mode” appears in the corners of the screen. Now continue with the next step of this guide — downloading and running Malwarebytes (explained in Step 2).
Safe Mode with Networking starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading — making it much easier to remove. Here’s how to get there on Windows 7:

  1. Remove any CDs, DVDs, or USB drives from your computer, then restart it.
  2. As soon as the computer starts (when the hardware information appears on screen), press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. If Windows starts normally instead, you pressed F8 too late — restart and try again.
    F8 Safe Mode
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking, then press Enter.
    Safe Mode with Networking screen
  4. Once you’re in Safe Mode with Networking, continue with the next step of this guide — downloading and running Malwarebytes (explained in Step 2).
    Can’t get into Safe Mode with Networking? No problem — you can run the Malwarebytes scan in normal mode instead and continue the guide from there.

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STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes to remove Upsilon ransomware

While the computer is in Safe Mode with Networking, we will download, install and run a system scan with Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.

  1. Download Malwarebytes

    Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

    Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost
    Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
  2. Install Malwarebytes

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

    MBAM1
  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

    The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

    • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

      MBAM3 1
    • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

      MBAM4
    • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

      MBAM6 1
    • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

      MBAM5 1
  4. Enable “Scan for Rootkits”

    Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.

    MBAM8

    In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.

    MBAM9

    Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.

  5. Start the Scan

    Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

    MBAM10
  6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

    MBAM11
  7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

    When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

    MBAM12

    Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

    MBAM13
  8. Restart Your Computer

    Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.

    MBAM14
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When the malware removal process is complete, your computer should start in normal mode (if not, simply restart your device to exit Safe Mode) and continue with the rest of the instructions. We do recommend that you run another scan with Malwarebytes once you’re in Normal mode to make sure all the malicious files were removed.


STEP 3: Use HitmanPro to scan for Trojans and other malware

In this third step, while the computer is in normal back, we will download and run a scan with HitmanPro to remove the Upsilon ransomware and other malicious programs.

HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner — it’s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it’s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: Bitdefender and Kaspersky.

Good news: scanning is completely free, with no limits. You only need a license when it’s time to remove what was found — and even then, you can activate a free one-time 30-day trial to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)

  1. Download HitmanPro

    Click the button below to download HitmanPro. Remember — the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.

    HitmanProSecond-opinion malware scanner from Sophos
    Download HitmanProFree scan. Removing threats needs the free 30-day trial. Opens the official HitmanPro page in a new tab.
  2. Install HitmanPro

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file: “hitmanpro.exe” on 32-bit Windows, or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” on 64-bit Windows.

    Double-click on the HitmanPro file

    If a User Account Control pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click “Yes” to continue.

    Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup
  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts

    On the HitmanPro start screen, click “Next” to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required — it goes straight to work.

    Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC
    HitmanPro final installer screen
  4. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.
    HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present

  5. Review the Results and Click “Next”

    When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click “Next” to remove the detected threats.

    HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware
  6. Click “Activate Free License”

    To remove the malicious files, click the “Activate free license” button. This starts your free 30-day trial — no payment details needed — and unlocks the full cleanup.
    Click on the Activate free license button

    When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click Next, then click Reboot if prompted. If there’s no reboot prompt, just click Close — your PC is clean.


STEP 4: Double-check for malicious programs with ESET Online Scanner

In this fourth step, we run a scan with ESET Online Scanner to remove any leftover files from the Upsilon ransomware and other malicious programs.

ESET Online Scanner is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it’s thorough — if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.

  1. Download ESET Online Scanner

    Click the button below to download ESET Online Scanner.

    ESET Online ScannerFree one-time malware scan from ESET
    Download ESET Online ScannerOpens the official download page in a new tab.
  2. Run the Installer

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click “esetonlinescanner.exe“.
    Image - Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file

  3. Install ESET Online Scanner

    On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click Get started.

    Image - Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner

    On the Terms of use screen, click Accept.
    Image - Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner

    Choose your preferences for the Customer Experience Improvement Program and the Detection feedback system (either choice is fine), then click Continue.
    Image - Follow the on-screen prompts

  4. Start a Full Scan

    Click Full Scan — this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.

    Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner

    Select Enable for Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications — this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click Start scan.

    Image - Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan

  5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it’s a full scan, this can take a while — often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.

    Image- Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish

  6. Review the Results

    When the scan completes, the Found and resolved detections screen appears. Any threats found were automatically cleaned and quarantined — there’s nothing extra you need to do. Click View detailed results if you want to see exactly what was removed.
    Image - ESET Online Scanner malware removal

    If ESET found nothing — congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.


STEP 5: Restore the files encrypted by the Upsilon ransomware

Unfortunately, in most cases, it’s not possible to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware virus because the private key which is needed to unlock the encrypted files is only available through the attackers. However, below we’ve listed three options you can use to try and recover your files.

Make sure you remove the malware from your computer first, otherwise, it will repeatedly lock your system or encrypt files. If you suspect that your computer is still infected with malware, you can run a free scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

Option 1: Search a decryption tool for this ransomware

The cybersecurity community is constantly working to create ransomware decryption tools, so you can try to search these sites for updates:

Option 2: Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free to recover the encrypted files

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free can restore files and repair corrupted files with simple clicks. Its powerful scanning algorithms can identify and retrieve huge file type library, including all of the popular video files, audio files, photos, and document formats.
While the free version only allows you to recover 2 GB of data, this can be helpful to see if the recovery is possible and restore back the most important files from your computer.

  1. Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free.

    You can download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free by clicking the link below.

    EaseUS Data Recovery WizardFile recovery tool with a free version
    Download EaseUS Data Recovery WizardOpens the download page in a new tab.
  2. Double-click on the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free setup file.

    When EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.

    Image: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer

    You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow EaseUS to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free installation.

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

    When the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation begins, click on the “Install Now” as seen in the image below.
    EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now

    When your EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation completes, click the “Start Now” button to start the program.
    Image: Click Start Now

  4. Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files.

    Choose the drive or folder where you are the encrypted files that you want to recover and click “Scan“.
    Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files

  5. Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.

    EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will now scan your computer files that can be restored. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
    Image: Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.

  6. Find the files you want to recover.

    When the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan is finished scanning it will show a screen that displays the files that can be recovered. This tool can recover a lot of data, use the “Filter” button to quickly filter specific file types and find the files that you want to recover.
    Filter the Files by Type

    Click the “Preview” button or double-click on a file for a full preview.
    Image: Click Preview to view the file

  7. Select your files and click “Recover”.

    Finally, select the the files you want to recover and click “Recover“.
    Select your files and click Recover
    Choose a safe location to save all the files.
    Select a safe location
    The free version only allow you to recover 2 GB of data, however, this will allow you to recover the most important files and see if EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can correctly recover them.
    Image: View Recovered Files

Option 3: Try to restore your files with ShadowExplorer

This ransomware will attempt to delete all shadow copies when you first start any executable on your computer after becoming infected. Thankfully, the infection is not always able to remove the shadow copies, so you should continue to try restoring your files using this method.

  1. Download ShadowExplorer.

    You can download ShadowExplorer from the below link.

    ShadowExplorerRestores files from Windows Shadow Volume Copies
    Download ShadowExplorerOpens the official download page in a new tab.
  2. Install ShadowExplorer.

    Double-click on the ShadowExplorer-x.x-setup file to start the installation process, then follow the on-screen promts to install this program.
    Install Shadow Defender

  3. Select snapshot date.

    Open ShadowExplorer and then from the top bar select the drive where the files that you want to save are located, then select from the snapshot available one previous to this infection.

    Select drive and date to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware

  4. Export the files that you want to recover.

    Once you have found a copy of the original file or folder, right-click on it and the select “Export”. A window will prompt you where you want to save the file or folder.
    Find copy then click on Expor to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware

Your computer should now be free of the Upsilon ransomware infection and other malware.

Keep your PC protectedStop the next infection before it starts
If your antivirus let this threat through, it may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malware, ransomware, and malicious websites before they can infect your computer.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

Finish the cleanup. Keep protection on.

Follow the removal steps above, then consider ongoing protection against malicious software and unwanted advertising.

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Written by

Stelian

Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.

60,993 articlesWriting since 2011
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