Aayu file virus: what it is and how to remove it

If you find that you cannot open your images, documents, or files and they have a .aayu extension, this means that your computer has been infected with the ransomware. This ransomware encrypts personal documents found on the victim's computer and then displays a message asking for payment in Bitcoin in order to decrypt the data.

Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.

Automatic

Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.

Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.

Make sure nothing will rename more files to .aayu: an automatic scan checks the PC first.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.

Do it yourself · free Remove Aayu file virus yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.

Start the steps
Aayu file virus: screenshot
Aayu file virus as our 2022 report showed it.

Aayu file virus: summary

DistributionFiles can be attached to emails or included in pirating packages
NameAayu file virus
TypeRansomware, cryptovirus
File marker.aayu
Ransom note_readme.txt; the text of the note is not in our records
Ransom amount$490/ $980
Removal

Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged.

Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free.
Show 14 more facts
Contact detailssupport@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
FamilyDjvu ransomware
TerminationThreat removal is possible with anti-malware tools
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
Encrypted file extension.aayu
DecryptorNo free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates
DamageNot recorded in the old report
SymptomsFiles renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet
Encrypted files.aayu
Attacker contactssupport@bestyourmail.ch
Free decryptorNo free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026)
First seen19 September 2022
Facts checked7 October 2026
  • File extension: .aayu
  • Note file: _readme.txt
  • Contact: support@bestyourmail.ch

From our report of Sep 2022 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Aayu file virus

  • Checking the machine with can help with corrupted files or virus damage

How Aayu file virus behaves

From our report of Sep 2022 · not reviewed since

Aayu file virus is a threat that uses powerful methods to lock files before asking for money

If you find that you cannot open your images, documents, or files and they have a .aayu extension, this means that your computer has been infected with the ransomware.

This ransomware encrypts personal documents found on the victim's computer and then displays a message asking for payment in Bitcoin in order to decrypt the data.

People behind the threat claim that recovery of those encoded files is possible after the cryptocurrency payment. The instructions for doing this can be found in the _readme.tx file on the victim's desktop. Aayu file virus places copies of such files in various folders containing the encoded pieces.

Ransomware is a serious infection that can result in the loss of important personal data. If you have been infected with this malware, it is important to take action immediately to try and remove it from your system and recover your files.

There are a few different methods that you can use to attempt to remove the Aayu ransomware and decrypt your files, which will be discussed in more detail below.

One method that you can use to remove the ransomware is to use a reputable anti-malware program. However, this is not the same as virus decryption.

Aayu file virus: screenshot
Aayu file virus in our 2022 report.

From our report of Sep 2022 · not reviewed since

What can be done?

When your computer is infected with the Aayu ransomware, it will scan your hard drive for images, videos, and important documents such as .doc, .docx, .xls, and .pdf files.

Once these files are detected, the ransomware will encrypt them and change their extension, making them impossible to open.

The ransomware will then demand payment from you in order to regain access to your encrypted data. There are no decryption tools for this threat, so the particular file recovery is not possible right now. It is possible to stop the virus and make the system run smoothly again, however.

Aayu file virus will display a ransom note file that contains information on how to contact the creators of the ransomware in order to pay the ransom and have your files decrypted. The victims of this ransomware are asked to contact the malware developers through email at support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.

That is not an option. The note explains that the victim's files have been encrypted and that the only way to get them back is to pay a ransom for a decryption tool. The criminals provide email addresses for negotiation purposes and encourage people to pay with a 50% discount in the first 72 hours.

However, experts recommend not paying the ransom as there is no guarantee that the cybercriminals will keep their promise. The ransom demanded is $980 in Bitcoin first, and payment can be the first loss since you pay for nothing and still have damaged files. Ignore these criminals.

Aayu file virus: aayu ransomware
Aayu file virus in our 2022 report.

The Aayu file virus ransom note

The note is called _readme.txt.

We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.

How to remove Aayu file virus

Tools you'll need

All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.

  • A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
  • Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
  • Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
  • ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
  • No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
  • Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.

How to remove Aayu file virus and get your files back

Work in this order.

Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.

  1. Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives

    Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Aayu file virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.

    Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.

    Windows 11 quick settings with Wi-Fi turned off
    Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  2. Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family

    Your files now end in .aayu and the instructions are in _readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.

    On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.

    A ransom note text file next to encrypted files in File Explorer
    Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  3. Step 3: Check for a free decryptor

    Our last check found that for Aayu file virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.

    A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  4. Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt

    Removing Aayu file virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.

    If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Windows Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

  5. Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files

    Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them. vssadmin list shadows in an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.

    If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.

    Command Prompt running vssadmin list shadows
    Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files

  6. Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals

    A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.

    Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Aayu file virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix

Instructions for each browser and system

The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.

Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state

Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.

Here's an example of "hosts" file entries that were injected by ransomware:

Hosts file

In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the "hosts" file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:

C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\

Delete Windows "hosts" file

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.Windows 7/XP

Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot.Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options.Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings.Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following: Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files
  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter): %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Restore files using data recovery software

Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.

While this might sound terrible, not all is lost - data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.

Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

  • Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it - use a USB flash drive or another storage.
  • Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

  1. Download .
  2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.Install program
  4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
  5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.Select what to recover
  6. Press Next.
  7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.Select Deep scan
  8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.Scan
  9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
  10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.Recover files
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
Report the incident to your local authorities

Ransomware is a lucrative, highly illegal business, and authorities are actively targeting ransomware operators. The level of investigation and follow-up depends on the country, the scale of the incident, and whether the attack is linked to known ransomware groups. To increase the likelihood of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. In many cases, reports are used primarily for intelligence gathering, trend analysis, and victim support rather than immediate identification of attackers.

Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help stop the cybercriminal activities and catch the threat actors. Reporting does not guarantee investigation or recovery of data, but it contributes to broader efforts to track ransomware campaigns. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Relevant details may also include affected systems, ransom demands, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, and any communication with the attackers. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, encrypted files, or malware executables would be beneficial.

Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:

  • USA - Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3
  • United Kingdom - ActionFraud
  • Canada - Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  • Australia - ScamWatch
  • New Zealand - ConsumerProtection
  • Germany - Polizei
  • France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3

If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.

From our report of Sep 2022 · not reviewed since

Eliminate the virus

Aayu file virus is an infection that spreads silently and without causing any symptoms.

You need to clear the threat and make sure that all pieces related to the malicious program get cleared from the system. Anti-malware tools are designed to fight malware and find all threats to the system.

The particular detection rate can show that many AV tools can be successful with the removal of this Aayu ransomware virus. Running a proper antivirus scan can help indicate all threats and potentially dangerous files or applications that affect your device.

Running a tool like or can help improve the system and remove any infections related to the ransomware or not. These infections can inject other threats on the system, so the Aayu file virus is more persistent. The proper anti-malware tool helps terminate these active virus processes.

This is not the same as file recovery or virus decryption, however. You should note that file restoration is difficult and can lead to other issues if you do anything while the threat is already actively running on the computer. Double-check when removing the virus and then worry about the data that Aayu ransomware damaged.

From our report of Sep 2022 · not reviewed since

Recover the machine

Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently.

For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.

Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

  • Download the application by clicking on the link above
  • Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  • If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
  • Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
  • The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
  • Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
  • You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
Aayu file virus: 1 1
Aayu file virus in our 2022 report.
Aayu file virus: 2 2
Aayu file virus in our 2022 report.

From our report of Sep 2022 · not reviewed since

File recovery options

Aayu file virus is the newest variant of the Djvu file virus family.

It uses advanced encryption techniques that make decryption very difficult, if not impossible. This ransomware is primarily distributed online and uses new types of keys that make decryption much more difficult.

The only way to decrypt files affected by this variant is with the help of law enforcement agents or researchers who have managed to get their hands on the proper decryption tool and keys. Aayu ransomware creates unique online IDs for each device it affects. It will create a unique online ID for each machine.

This is why decryption is very difficult. It may still be possible to decrypt files affected by the same version of ransomware using an offline key. This key is unique to the virus version, not the individual machine. A decryption tool was developed previously and may be useful in recovering files in some of the cases now.

There is no guarantee that the decryption tool will work in every case, but it may be worth a try if you have been affected by Aayu ransomware. If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP.

Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately.

Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files - one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.

From here, there are three available outcomes:

  • After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up - click it.
  • If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
  • Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
  • After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
  • The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
  • Press Decrypt.
  • "Decrypted!" will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully - they are now usable again.
  • "Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:" means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
  • "This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible" - you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
Aayu file virus: emsisoft1
Aayu file virus in our 2022 report.
Aayu file virus: emsisoft2
Aayu file virus in our 2022 report.

Report it and recover your files

Report it

Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.

United States
FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud

Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.

Backups: the 3-2-1 rule

Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.

A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Aayu file virus together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.

On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .aayu and no longer open.

Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.

Protect your privacy - employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.

However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.

Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.

In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

Questions about Aayu file virus

How do I open .aayu files?

You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .aayu ending shows that Aayu file virus encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.

To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Aayu file virus. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.

Did Aayu file virus steal my files or passwords?

We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Aayu file virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .aayu and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.

From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.

Should I pay the ransom?

We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.

Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.

Is there a free Aayu file virus decryptor?

We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Aayu file virus no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.

Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Aayu file virus decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.

Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?

Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.

Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.

How did Aayu file virus get on my computer?

The way Aayu file virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.

Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .aayu and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.

Is Aayu file virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?

Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.

Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.

Can I just remove .aayu from the file names?

You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .aayu extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.

If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.

Should I open _readme.txt?

Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text _readme.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.

The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.

Will Fortect remove Aayu file virus?

Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.

For Aayu file virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.

Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.

Sources

  1. CSOonline: Ransomware explained: How it works and how to remove it (read October 7, 2026)
  2. Virusai: Virusai (read October 7, 2026)
  3. VirusTotal: Virus sample detection (read October 7, 2026)
  4. CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
  5. No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)

More removal guides

Questions and experiences: Aayu file virus

Still seeing it, or found something we did not cover? Ask here: members and our editors answer. Reading is open; writing needs a free account.

0 comments

…

5,613 members already hereReading, writing, commenting and voting. 0 verified · 338 joined this year