{"id":419377,"date":"2026-09-27T12:10:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T12:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=419377"},"modified":"2026-09-27T12:10:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T12:10:18","slug":"qtox-ransomware-virus-removal-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/qtox-ransomware-virus-removal-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"qTox Ransomware Exposed: How to Remove It and Recover Your Locked Files"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A folder still contains the files you recognize, but their names now end in .qtox. Double-clicking one no longer opens the document you need.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad747313312\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_406659\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nearby is a text file called readme.txt. Before reacting to the qTox ransomware note, it helps to understand what changed and what remains recoverable.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"wp-image-419431 lazyload\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" alt=\"Illustrative Windows folder containing documents renamed with the .qtox extension and a readme.txt note\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1672px) 100vw, 1672px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-files-v2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-files-v2.jpg 1672w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-files-v2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-files-v2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-files-v2-1536x864.jpg 1536w\"><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mwtad1383700970\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309685-placement_406660\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Overview<\/h2>\n<h3>What identifies this ransomware<\/h3>\n<p>qTox ransomware encrypts files and appends .qtox to their names. In the analyzed sample, it also creates a ransom note named readme.txt.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad543549536\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309685-placement_406667\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>A file such as budget.xlsx may become budget.xlsx.qtox. The new name is a clue, but the file contents are no longer readable.<\/p>\n<p>The note claims the attackers took confidential information before encryption. That is a serious assertion requiring investigation, not proof of what was actually removed from every affected system.<\/p>\n<p>The malware&#8217;s name should not be confused with the qTox messaging application. The note asks victims to use that application to contact the attackers.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3250285600\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309685-placement_406668\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-right: 10px;margin-bottom: 50px;margin-left: 10px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Encryption and data exposure are separate problems<\/h3>\n<p>A clean backup can solve the availability problem if it was not reached by the ransomware. It does not automatically answer whether data was copied before files were locked.<\/p>\n<p>The note threatens publication through a ransomware leak site. Responders should preserve logs and assess possible exfiltration without treating the threat text as verified evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Payment is not a reliable safety control. Attackers can take money without providing a working decryptor or keeping a promise to delete stolen data.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2001274693\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309685-placement_406669\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-right: 10px;margin-bottom: 50px;margin-left: 10px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Removing the malware also does not decrypt files already affected. The two tasks, stopping the infection and recovering data, must be handled in the right order.<\/p>\n<h3>The first decisions to make<\/h3>\n<ul><li>Isolate the affected computer and any reachable storage.<\/li><li>Preserve readme.txt and a small sample encrypted file for identification.<\/li><li>Do not connect a backup to a machine that may still be infected.<\/li><li>Check whether clean offline backups or cloud version history exist.<\/li><li>Assess whether the data-theft claim has supporting evidence.<\/li><\/ul>\n<p>For a business, involve the incident-response team early. Shared drives, cloud synchronization, and disclosure obligations can make the scope larger than one desktop.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad3318250044\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309685-placement_406670\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-right: 10px;margin-bottom: 50px;margin-left: 10px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p>The interface images here illustrate the extension and note without including a real attacker contact identifier.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad3180743663\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309685-placement_406661\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>How to Recognize qTox Without Mistaking a Filename for Proof<\/h2>\n<p>The .qtox extension and readme.txt are useful indicators. However, filenames alone are not a complete malware identification.<\/p>\n<p>Other software can rename files, and criminals can copy a note&#8217;s wording. Use the extension, note contents, sample hashes, and endpoint telemetry together.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad3531567304\" class=\"mwtadp5 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"8560433799\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p>A document that still appears in File Explorer may not be usable. Its usual application may report an invalid format because the underlying bytes were encrypted.<\/p>\n<p>Do not delete the encrypted copy because you cannot open it today. A future decryptor, forensic analysis, or discovered backup may still make it useful.<\/p>\n<p>Keep at least one original affected file untouched. Work on copies when testing identification or recovery tools, so a failed experiment does not reduce your options.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad4236174722\" class=\"mwtadp6 mwtadentity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"4034304343\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><\/div><p>The ransom note may tell you not to rename files or restore from backups. Such instructions serve the attacker&#8217;s leverage and should not govern a professional recovery plan.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, changing filenames at random will not reverse encryption. Preserve the evidence before trying any repair.<\/p>\n<p>On a corporate network, an apparent single-system infection can indicate access to mapped drives or shared folders. Check whether the same extension appears elsewhere.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"wp-image-419379 lazyload\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" alt=\"Illustrative redacted qTox ransomware note claiming encrypted files and data theft\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1672px) 100vw, 1672px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-note.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-note.jpg 1672w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-note-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-note-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/qtox-note-1536x864.jpg 1536w\"><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mwtad980216661\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309685-placement_406662\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>How qTox Ransomware Operates<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: The attacker gets code onto a Windows system<\/h3>\n<p>The analyzed sample establishes what qTox does after execution, not a single proven delivery route for every infection.<\/p>\n<p>Ransomware can arrive through malicious attachments, untrusted software, exposed remote access, or another compromise. Treat those as investigative possibilities until logs identify your entry point.<\/p>\n<p>Before changing the system, preserve suspicious emails, download records, and security alerts that might explain how the attacker gained access.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Files become unreadable and gain .qtox<\/h3>\n<p>The ransomware encrypts targeted data and adds its extension. The original file type may remain visible earlier in the name, but the application cannot read encrypted contents.<\/p>\n<p>Encryption can affect different file types and storage locations depending on access. A shared drive may be exposed if the infected account can write to it.<\/p>\n<p>Do not assume that an unaffected folder means the attack stopped on its own. Scope requires a systematic check across connected systems.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: The note claims a second form of leverage<\/h3>\n<p>The readme.txt note says confidential information was taken and threatens publication if the victim refuses to communicate.<\/p>\n<p>This is a double-extortion claim. It combines unavailable files with fear of exposure, even when a backup might allow technical restoration.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators need outbound network, access, archive, and identity logs to evaluate that claim. The wording of the note alone cannot prove exfiltration.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Contact is routed through qTox messenger<\/h3>\n<p>The note directs victims toward the qTox application and a contact ID. This gives the attackers a private channel for negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>Installing the messenger does not restore files. It only opens communication with the people who caused the problem.<\/p>\n<p>If legal counsel or responders decide communication is necessary, keep it controlled and documented. An individual employee should not negotiate from the affected device.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Recovery depends on a clean source<\/h3>\n<p>Removing active ransomware prevents further damage but leaves existing encrypted files locked. Restoring backups onto an unclean machine can result in another loss.<\/p>\n<p>Use verified offline or immutable backups when available. Check version history and reputable decryptor databases, but do not trust sites promising universal qTox decryption.<\/p>\n<p>A public decryptor may not exist for this variant. That status can change, so verify it through trustworthy recovery projects rather than assuming a dated article remains current.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad747474665\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309685-placement_406663\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Variant, Scope, Backup, and Disclosure Checks<\/h2>\n<h3>Confirm the variant before choosing a tool<\/h3>\n<p>Record the exact extension, note filename, and representative encrypted file. Use a trusted identification service or incident-response specialist on copies.<\/p>\n<p>Do not upload sensitive files to an unknown \u201cfree decryptor\u201d page. Such sites can collect data, charge a fee, or deliver additional malware.<\/p>\n<h3>Map every system the attacker could reach<\/h3>\n<p>Review shared folders, network drives, synchronization clients, and accounts used on the infected computer. Look for encryption timing and suspicious logins.<\/p>\n<p>An organization should preserve firewall, identity, endpoint, and cloud logs before their retention window closes. Those records may identify lateral movement or data transfer.<\/p>\n<h3>Validate backups before restoring them<\/h3>\n<p>Check a backup&#8217;s creation time, integrity, and isolation. A backup connected during the attack may already contain encrypted versions.<\/p>\n<p>Cloud version history can help for individual files, but restore cautiously and inspect whether synchronization has overwritten clean copies.<\/p>\n<h3>Assess the claimed data theft separately<\/h3>\n<p>List the sensitive information accessible to affected accounts. Look for unusual archives, large transfers, staging folders, or access to high-value repositories.<\/p>\n<p>Bring legal, privacy, and communications teams into the decision if regulated or customer data might be involved. Do not promise that paying would prevent disclosure.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad2305439471\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309685-placement_406705\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>What to Do if qTox Ransomware Infected Your Computer<\/h2>\n<ol><li><strong>Disconnect the affected system.<\/strong> Remove network access and isolate mapped drives. If this is a business computer, notify IT rather than trying to clean several machines independently.<\/li><li><strong>Keep evidence intact.<\/strong> Save readme.txt, a small encrypted file, event timestamps, and any suspicious email. Avoid reformatting or deleting files before responders review them.<\/li><li><strong>Protect your backups.<\/strong> Disconnect external storage and pause cloud synchronization where appropriate. Never connect a clean backup to a system with active ransomware.<\/li><li><strong>Determine the scope.<\/strong> Check other endpoints, shared folders, and accounts for encryption or suspicious access. Preserve logs before they expire.<\/li><li><strong>Remove active malicious components.<\/strong> On a home computer, a Malwarebytes scan and Windows Security can help identify ransomware and related payloads. Organizations should follow their incident-response plan.<\/li><li><strong>Recover from clean sources.<\/strong> After confirming the system is clean, restore verified offline backups or clean cloud versions. Check No More Ransom for an applicable free decryptor.<\/li><li><strong>Change credentials from a clean device.<\/strong> Reset accounts used on the affected machine, revoke sessions, and examine privileged access if a business network was involved.<\/li><li><strong>Investigate possible exposure.<\/strong> Treat the note&#8217;s theft claim seriously, but verify it through evidence. Seek legal advice about notification duties instead of relying on attacker statements.<\/li><\/ol>\n<div id=\"mwtad226658103\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309685-placement_406664\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Remove qTox Ransomware and Recover the Files<\/h2>\n<p>Carry out removal and restoration in sequence. Scanner results are not a decryptor, and a successful restoration is not proof that the attacker&#8217;s access is gone.<\/p>\n<h3>Removal phase 1: Start from a controlled environment<\/h3>\n<p>Use a trusted recovery environment or Safe Mode when appropriate. If the device is part of a company network, allow the security team to collect forensic evidence first.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 11<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 10<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 7<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 11\">\n<strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading \u2014 making it much easier to remove. First, we&#8217;ll open the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE):<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>Press <strong>Windows key + I<\/strong> to open <em>Settings<\/em>. If that doesn&#8217;t work, right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button and select <strong>Settings<\/strong>. Then, in the right-hand pane, click <strong>Recovery<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-129015 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Go to Windows Settings\" width=\"700\" height=\"465\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-1-300x199.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>Under <strong>Advanced startup<\/strong>, click <strong>Restart now<\/strong>. Save any open work first \u2014 your PC will restart immediately.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-129016 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Click in Restart Now to Sart Windows 11 in Safe Mode\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Recovery window in Windows 10\" width=\"700\" height=\"465\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Safe-Mode-Step-2-300x199.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, follow these steps to reach Safe Mode:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>On the <em>Choose an option<\/em> screen, select <strong>Troubleshoot<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90953 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Troubleshoot<\/em> screen, click <strong>Advanced Options<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90954 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 2\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Advanced Options<\/em> page, click <strong>Startup Settings<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90955 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 3\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Startup Settings<\/em> page, click <strong>Restart<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90956 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 11 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 4\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>After your PC restarts, you&#8217;ll see a list of startup options. Press <strong>5<\/strong> or <strong>F5<\/strong> to start <strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105152 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Boot in Safe Mode Windows 11\" width=\"385\" height=\"520\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg 385w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1-222x300.jpg 222w\"><\/li>\n<li>You&#8217;ll know you&#8217;re in Safe Mode when &#8220;Safe Mode&#8221; appears in the corners of the screen. Now continue with the next step of this guide \u2014 downloading and running Malwarebytes <em>(explained in Step 2)<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 10\">\n<strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading \u2014 making it much easier to remove. First, we&#8217;ll open the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE):<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>Press <strong>Windows key + I<\/strong> to open <em>Settings<\/em>. If that doesn&#8217;t work, click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button and select <strong>Settings<\/strong> (the gear icon).<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105147 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Go to Windows Settings\" width=\"520\" height=\"316\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Windows-Settings.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Windows-Settings.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Windows-Settings-300x182.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>In the <em>Windows Settings<\/em> window, select <strong>Update &amp; Security<\/strong>, then click <strong>Recovery<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105146 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Recovery window in Windows 10\" width=\"520\" height=\"316\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Recovery.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Recovery.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Recovery-300x182.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>Under <strong>Advanced startup<\/strong>, click <strong>Restart now<\/strong>. Save any open work first \u2014 your PC will restart immediately.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105145 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Open Advance Startup\" width=\"520\" height=\"316\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Advance-Startup.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Advance-Startup.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Advance-Startup-300x182.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Your PC will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, follow these steps to reach Safe Mode:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>On the <em>Choose an option<\/em> screen, select <strong>Troubleshoot<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90953 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-1-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Troubleshoot<\/em> screen, click <strong>Advanced Options<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90954 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 2\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-2-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Advanced Options<\/em> page, click <strong>Startup Settings<\/strong>. (On Windows 8, this option is labeled <strong>Windows Startup Settings<\/strong>.)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90955 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 3\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-3-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Startup Settings<\/em> page, click <strong>Restart<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-90956 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows 10 - Start in Safe Mode with Network - Step 4\" width=\"520\" height=\"293\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4.jpg 520w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Windows-10-Safe-Mode-Step-4-300x169.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>After your PC restarts, you&#8217;ll see a list of startup options. Press <strong>5<\/strong> or <strong>F5<\/strong> to start <strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105152 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Boot in Safe Mode Windows 10\" width=\"385\" height=\"520\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1.jpg 385w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Boot-in-Safe-Mode-Windows-10-1-222x300.jpg 222w\"><\/li>\n<li>You&#8217;ll know you&#8217;re in Safe Mode when &#8220;Safe Mode&#8221; appears in the corners of the screen. Now continue with the next step of this guide \u2014 downloading and running Malwarebytes <em>(explained in Step 2)<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 7\">\n<strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which stops most malware from loading \u2014 making it much easier to remove. Here&#8217;s how to get there on Windows 7:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>Remove any CDs, DVDs, or USB drives from your computer, then <strong>restart it<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>As soon as the computer starts (when the hardware information appears on screen), <strong>press the F8 key repeatedly<\/strong> until the <strong>Advanced Boot Options<\/strong> menu appears. If Windows starts normally instead, you pressed F8 too late \u2014 restart and try again.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51037 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"F8 Safe Mode\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode.png 512w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode-300x225.png 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>On the <em>Advanced Boot Options<\/em> screen, use the arrow keys to highlight <strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong>, then press <strong>Enter<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50963 alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Safe Mode with Networking screen\" width=\"539\" height=\"292\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/safemode.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/safemode.jpg 539w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/safemode-300x163.jpg 300w\"><\/li>\n<li>Once you&#8217;re in Safe Mode with Networking, continue with the next step of this guide \u2014 downloading and running Malwarebytes <em>(explained in Step 2)<\/em>.\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Can&#8217;t get into Safe Mode with Networking? No problem \u2014 you can run the Malwarebytes scan in normal mode instead and continue the guide from there.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3>Removal phase 2: Scan for the ransomware and related payloads<\/h3>\n<p>Update Malwarebytes from an official source and run a full scan. Review detections rather than assuming the .qtox extension identifies every malicious component.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\"><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free');\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\">\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\">\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\">\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\">\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947 lazyload\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\"><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3>Removal phase 3: Run an independent second-opinion scan<\/h3>\n<p>Use a separate reputable scanner to look for remnants and downloaders. Business machines may need professional review before tools quarantine custom software.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> is a second-opinion scanner \u2014 it&#8217;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&#8217;s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: <strong>Bitdefender<\/strong> and <strong>Kaspersky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news: <strong>scanning is completely free, with no limits<\/strong>. You only need a license when it&#8217;s time to remove what was found \u2014 and even then, you can activate a <strong>free one-time 30-day trial<\/strong> to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong>. Remember \u2014 the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-81147 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/hitmanpro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file: <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 32-bit Windows, or <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro_x64.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 64-bit Windows.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136909 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro-300x158.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>If a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136916 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg 676w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC-300x222.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts<\/p>\n<p>On the HitmanPro start screen, click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required \u2014 it goes straight to work.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136913 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-300x240.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2-300x240.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136915 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning-300x240.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results and Click &#8220;Next&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to remove the detected threats.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136914 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x241.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Activate Free License&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To remove the malicious files, click the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button. This starts your <em>free 30-day trial<\/em> \u2014 no payment details needed \u2014 and unlocks the full cleanup.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136911 alignnone lazyload\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License-300x238.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<p>When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click <strong>Next<\/strong>, then click <strong>Reboot<\/strong> if prompted. If there&#8217;s no reboot prompt, just click <strong>Close<\/strong> \u2014 your PC is clean.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n<h3>Removal phase 4: Confirm the endpoint is clean<\/h3>\n<p>Check startup entries, security logs, and other endpoints. A second scan helps, but network-wide compromise requires more than a single clean result.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong> 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&#8217;s thorough \u2014 if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/esetonlinescanner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo size-full wp-image-148927 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"ESET logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Eset-Logo.png\"><\/figure><strong>DOWNLOAD ESET ONLINE SCANNER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run the Installer<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click &#8220;<strong>esetonlinescanner.exe<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148926 lazyload\" title=\"Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer-300x155.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click <strong>Get started<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148858 lazyload\" title=\"Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1-300x200.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>On the <em>Terms of use<\/em> screen, click <strong>Accept<\/strong>.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148863 lazyload\" title=\"Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<p>Choose your preferences for the <em>Customer Experience Improvement Program<\/em> and the <em>Detection feedback system<\/em> (either choice is fine), then click <strong>Continue<\/strong>.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148859 lazyload\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Follow the on-screen prompts\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3-300x200.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start a Full Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Full Scan<\/strong> \u2014 this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148860 lazyload\" title=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4-300x200.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>Select <strong>Enable<\/strong> for <em>Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications<\/em> \u2014 this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click <strong>Start scan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148929 lazyload\" title=\"Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5-300x200.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it&#8217;s a full scan, this can take a while \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148930 lazyload\" title=\"Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image- Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1-300x200.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results<\/p>\n<p>When the scan completes, the <em>Found and resolved detections<\/em> screen appears. Any threats found were <strong>automatically cleaned and quarantined<\/strong> \u2014 there&#8217;s nothing extra you need to do. Click <strong>View detailed results<\/strong> if you want to see exactly what was removed.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148933 lazyload\" title=\"ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image - ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7-300x200.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<p>If ESET found nothing \u2014 congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3>Recovery phase 5: Restore only verified data<\/h3>\n<p>Test one small restore first. Use an offline backup, immutable snapshot, or clean version history, and keep original encrypted files until recovery is complete.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, in most cases, it\u2019s 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&#8217;ve listed three options you can use to try and recover your files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mt_noter\">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 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-emsisoft-emergency-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emsisoft Emergency Kit<\/a><\/strong>.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 1: Search a decryption tool for this ransomware<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cybersecurity community is constantly working to create ransomware decryption tools, so you can try to search these sites for updates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/noransom.kaspersky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/noransom.kaspersky.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/ransomware-decryption-tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.avast.com\/ransomware-decryption-tools<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 2: Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free to recover the encrypted files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br \/>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free<\/strong>&nbsp;by clicking the link below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/get-easeus-data-recovery-wizard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-150416 mwt_product_icon_logo lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-Logo.png\"><\/figure> EASEUS DATA RECOVERY WIZARD FREE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The above link will open a new page from where you can download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Double-click on the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free setup file.<\/p>\n<p>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 <em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150415 lazyload\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Installer\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-0-300x155.jpg 300w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>You may be presented with a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asking if you want to allow EaseUS to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click \u201c<em>Yes<\/em>\u201d to continue with the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free installation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the on-screen prompts to install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.<\/p>\n<p>When the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation begins, click on the &#8220;Install Now&#8221; as seen in the image below.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150403 lazyload\" title=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Install Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-1-300x188.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<p>When your EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard installation completes, click the &#8220;<strong>Start Now<\/strong>&#8221; button to start the program.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150404 lazyload\" title=\"Click Start Now\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: Click Start Now\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-2-300x188.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files.<\/p>\n<p>Choose the drive or folder where you are the encrypted files that you want to recover and click &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150405 lazyload\" title=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select a location to start recovering the encrypted files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-3-300x203.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.<\/p>\n<p>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.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150414 lazyload\" title=\"Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: Wait for the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard scan to complete.\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-4A-300x203.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find the files you want to recover.<\/p>\n<p>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 &#8220;<strong>Filter<\/strong>&#8221; button to quickly filter specific file types and find the files that you want to recover.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150421 lazyload\" title=\"Filter the Files by Type\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Filter the Files by Type\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-8-300x203.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Preview<\/strong>&#8221; button or double-click on a file for a full preview.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150423 lazyload\" title=\"Click Preview to view the file\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: Click Preview to view the file\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-9-300x203.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select your files and click &#8220;Recover&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, select the the files you want to recover and click &#8220;<strong>Recover<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150407 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select your files and click Recover\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" title=\"\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-5-300x203.jpg 300w\"><br \/>Choose a safe location to save all the files.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150408 lazyload\" title=\"Select a safe location\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select a safe location\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-6-300x203.jpg 300w\"><br \/>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.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-150409 lazyload\" title=\"View Recovered Files\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Image: View Recovered Files\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/EaseUS-Data-Recovery-Wizard-Free-7-300x203.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 3: Try to restore your files with ShadowExplorer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ShadowExplorer.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> from the below link.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shadowexplorer.com\/downloads.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>SHADOW EXPLORER DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;ShadowExplorer&#8221;)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ShadowExplorer.<\/p>\n<p>Double-click on the <strong>ShadowExplorer-x.x-setup<\/strong> file to start the installation process, then follow the on-screen promts to install this program.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115405 lazyload\" title=\"Install Shadow Defender\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Install Shadow Defender\" width=\"590\" height=\"466\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender.jpg 590w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Install-Shadow-Defender-300x237.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select snapshot date.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115411 lazyload\" title=\"Select drive and snapshot date\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Select drive and date to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"1180\" height=\"895\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date.jpg 1180w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Select-date-1024x777.jpg 1024w\"><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Export the files that you want to recover.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have found a copy of the original file or folder, right-click on it and the select &#8220;Export&#8221;. A window will prompt you where you want to save the file or folder.<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-115403 lazyload\" title=\"Find copy then click on Export\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Find copy then click on Expor to recover the files encrypted by this ransomware \" width=\"590\" height=\"448\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware.jpg 590w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Export-files-ransomware-300x228.jpg 300w\"><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad51109696\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309685-placement_406665\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>How to Reduce the Chance of a Repeat Attack<\/h2>\n<p>Keep at least one backup disconnected from ordinary user accounts. Test restoration before an emergency, not when the only remaining copy has failed.<\/p>\n<p>Apply operating system and application updates promptly. Limit administrator rights and remove remote-access services that nobody uses.<\/p>\n<p>Protect email and remote accounts with multifactor authentication. Review sign-in alerts, especially for accounts able to reach shared drives.<\/p>\n<p>Train staff to report suspicious attachments without embarrassment. A quick report can protect the rest of the network before encryption spreads.<\/p>\n<h2>When There Is No Usable Backup<\/h2>\n<p>A missing backup is a painful discovery, but it does not make an attacker-controlled decryptor the only possible next step.<\/p>\n<p>First preserve the encrypted files and note. A future public decryptor could become available if researchers find a flaw or keys are recovered.<\/p>\n<p>Check whether the same documents exist in email attachments, shared drives, old laptops, collaboration platforms, or cloud version history.<\/p>\n<p>Do not connect those sources to the infected machine. Copy them only after a clean recovery environment has been prepared.<\/p>\n<p>Some applications keep their own export files or automatic versions. Accounting platforms, photo libraries, and office suites may have recovery paths outside Windows File History.<\/p>\n<p>Professional data recovery cannot usually break sound encryption. A service promising guaranteed qTox decryption without explaining its method deserves skepticism.<\/p>\n<p>Beware of a company that simply forwards your payment to the criminals and adds a fee. That can leave you with the same risk at greater expense.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the original storage image when possible. Repeated writes and improvised repair utilities can destroy artifacts that might help a later investigation.<\/p>\n<h2>Why the Data-Theft Threat Needs Its Own Investigation<\/h2>\n<p>The note&#8217;s publication threat is designed to make even a well-backed-up victim feel trapped. Backups solve access, not confidentiality.<\/p>\n<p>Review which accounts had permission to read sensitive folders. A shared drive may contain far more than the files visibly encrypted on one computer.<\/p>\n<p>Check for unusual compression tools, archives, transfers, and cloud access near the attack time. A lack of such evidence may narrow the concern, but log gaps matter.<\/p>\n<p>Do not base a notification decision only on the attacker&#8217;s claim or denial. Ask an incident-response professional and legal adviser to evaluate the available evidence.<\/p>\n<p>For a household, exposure can include tax returns, identity documents, and saved passwords. For an organization, customer and employee records may be involved.<\/p>\n<p>Change exposed credentials and watch for targeted follow-up messages. The attackers may use information they saw to make later phishing more credible.<\/p>\n<p>If the note names a leak site, avoid visiting unfamiliar criminal infrastructure from the infected machine. Let responders collect any necessary evidence safely.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is a defensible picture of what happened, not an instant yes-or-no answer produced by the ransom note.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Can I open a file by removing .qtox from its name?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Renaming does not undo encryption. Keep the original file unchanged and investigate backups or trusted decryptors.<\/p>\n<h3>Does qTox ransomware mean the qTox messaging app infected me?<\/h3>\n<p>No. The name also appears in the attacker&#8217;s contact instructions. A messaging app is not the same thing as the ransomware sample.<\/p>\n<h3>Will antivirus restore my locked documents?<\/h3>\n<p>Security software can remove active malware, but it cannot ordinarily reverse encryption. File recovery is a separate step.<\/p>\n<h3>Is the note&#8217;s data-theft claim definitely true?<\/h3>\n<p>Not solely because the note says so. Investigate access and transfer evidence while treating the possibility as a serious incident.<\/p>\n<h3>Should I pay for a decryptor?<\/h3>\n<p>Payment provides no guarantee of a working key or deleted data. Consult responders and legal advisers before any decision, especially for a business.<\/p>\n<h3>Where can I check for a free decryptor?<\/h3>\n<p>Use a reputable project such as No More Ransom and confirm the variant first. Avoid search ads promising an instant universal fix.<\/p>\n<h2>The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>qTox ransomware locks files with a .qtox extension and leaves readme.txt with a claimed data-theft threat. The note&#8217;s claims require investigation, not automatic acceptance.<\/p>\n<p>Isolate the system, preserve evidence, remove the infection, and restore from a clean source. Handle any possible data exposure as a separate question.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.<br \/>If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Run a computer scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-emsisoft-emergency-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Emsisoft Emergency Kit<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Malware Removal Assistance for Windows\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/malware-removal-assistance-for-windows.10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malware Removal Assistance for Windows<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2733760505\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_176819-ad_309685-placement_406666\" style=\"margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 50px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8386082122\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A folder still contains the files you recognize, but their names now end in .qtox. Double-clicking one no longer opens the document you need. Nearby is a text file called readme.txt. Before reacting to the &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"qTox Ransomware Exposed: How to Remove It and Recover Your Locked Files\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/qtox-ransomware-virus-removal-recovery\/#more-419377\" aria-label=\"Read more about qTox Ransomware Exposed: How to Remove It and Recover Your Locked Files\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":419431,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-419377","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ransomware","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/419377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=419377"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/419377\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":419432,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/419377\/revisions\/419432"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/419431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=419377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=419377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=419377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}