Bisquilla ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Bisquilla ransomware is a malware that is assigned to the file-locking threats category but does not truly encrypt any documents or files found on the infected PC. What is more interesting, this ransomware virus travels as a fake Google Chrome updater and informs users about its appearance through a black window message.
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.
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Bisquilla ransomware: summary
| Name | Bisquilla |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Related file | BisquillaRansomware.exe |
| File size | 240.5 KB |
| Extension | Does not add any appendixes |
| Founder | Jack from MalwareForme |
| 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 13 more facts
| Danger level | Low. Does not encrypt any files, tells only lies |
|---|---|
| Distribution source | Peer-to-peer sources, email spam |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Ransom note | A message left on the computer; the text is quoted in full below |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 14 June 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Bisquilla
- Detect malicious objects with and get rid of the infection source
How Bisquilla ransomware behaves
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
Bisquilla ransomware - a fake file-locking threat that appears as a Google Chrome updater
Bisquilla ransomware is a malware that is assigned to the file-locking threats category but does not truly encrypt any documents or files found on the infected PC.
What is more interesting, this ransomware virus travels as a fake Google Chrome updater and informs users about its appearance through a black window message. However, an expert, Jack from MalwareForme on Twitter has found out that Bisquilla virus does not lock any types of files and is created in the form of a joke.
Furthermore, this cyber threat is related to the BisquillaRansomware.exe executable which takes 240.5 KB of size and has been detected harmful by 26 engines (from 61) in VirusTotal.
Bisquilla ransomware V1.0.0 does not operate as a true file-encrypting virus but still is categorized as one. If you ever have to deal with this cyber threat, do not be afraid when you see this type of text message in your browser window:
Pressing anywhere on this message might take you to other pages which demand ransom from victims so that they could receive a decryption tool for supposedly encrypted files. However, be aware of any offers that are provided to you by Bisquilla ransomware as there is no need for facing such unnecessary monetary losses.
Even though there is no particular information about the ransom price that Bisquilla ransomware might provide, criminals who distribute ransomware infections usually urge for an amount between $500 and $1500 in Bitcoin or another type of cryptocurrency. However, in some cases, users are left scammed without any decryption key in their pocket.
Bisquilla ransomware removal is the best thing you can do to avoid the appearance of messages from this virus again. Our recommendation would be to scan your entire computer system with a tool such as to find all malicious content that is lurking on your system and all possibly-damaged locations on your machine.
However, we do not offer to remove Bisquilla ransomware from your Windows machine by using only manual skills as they might be not enough to catch all malicious objects in the system. However, what you can do by yourself is using the below-provided steps to reboot your computer system by using Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore boot options.
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
Possible damage that can be caused by ransomware
According to NoVirus.uk specialists, normally ransomware viruses are one of the most dangerous threats that relate to data lockage and ransom demands.
Usually, crooks use strong and unique encryption ciphers in order to lock up all personal files that are found on the infected machine. Gladly, Bisquilla ransomware V1.0.0 does not do that yet.
By saying "yet" we mean that there might be other more advanced versions than Bisquilla ransomware released by the same criminals which will be capable of encrypting files. Once the encryption happens, crooks provide victims with ransom demands and try to get as much money as possible for selling (not) fake decryption keys.
Additionally, ransomware infections might relate to permanent destruction of Shadow Volume Copies which will only harden the decryption process for victims. Additionally, such infections usually leave malicious executables and other files in the system which can clean the path for other malware to enter the targeted computer system.
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
Peer-to-peer sources and malicious emails bring ransomware to the surface
If you are a frequent user of third-party video or movie downloading services, you risk catching a ransomware infection on your computer system.
Additionally, various adult-themed, gambling and online-gaming pages are risky for visiting. Continuously, ransomware infections can come in email spam.
Criminals who distribute file-encrypting malware are capable of injecting the malicious payload into email attachments or hyperlinks. By opening such content, you will supposedly catch a ransomware infection. Best ways to prevent stealth infiltration of dangerous malware is to:
- Delete all questionable messages that you receive to your mailbox.
- Not open any suspicious-looking attachments before scanning them with reputable antimalware.
- Keep a distance from unsafe third-party sources.
- Download programs only from their original websites.
- Make sure that your antivirus protection is always updated and functioning properly.
The Bisquilla ransomware note
Please relax and enjoy a warm cup of tea while I encrypt your files.
Do not turn off your computer, this can corrupt your files.
File Encryption Completed
EXIT
How to remove Bisquilla ransomware
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 Bisquilla 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.
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 Bisquilla 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: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
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
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Bisquilla, 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
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Bisquilla 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 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
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 shadowsin 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.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
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 Bisquilla 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.
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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.
From our report of Jun 2019 · not reviewed since
The removal process for Bisquilla ransomware virus
Also, in order to remove Bisquilla virus from the computer fully, you need to eliminate all suspicious entries that have brought this program to the system, get rid of all malicious executables that also have been injected by the ransomware virus. Continuously, you can follow the below-given steps for some system reboot options:
[GI=method-1]Rebooting to Safe Mode with Networking might allow you to disable the activities and appearance of Bisquilla ransomware virus:
[GI=method-2]Use these instructions to boot your Windows machine with the System Restore feature. This is also a way to disable ongoing malicious processes:
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
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
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 Bisquilla 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 bisquilla in the list of installed apps.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Bisquilla ransomware
Should I pay the ransom in the ransom note?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free Bisquilla decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Bisquilla 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 "Bisquilla 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.
Did Bisquilla steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Bisquilla, but the only confirmed sign is bisquilla in the list of installed apps, 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.
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 Bisquilla get on my computer?
The way Bisquilla 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 bisquilla in the list of installed apps, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is Bisquilla 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.
Should I open the ransom note?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text the ransom note 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.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by Bisquilla?
You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that Bisquilla adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.
No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.
Will Fortect remove Bisquilla?
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 Bisquilla, 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
- Malware Forme: "Bisquilla Ransomware" - Masquerades as Google Chrome updater (read October 7, 2026)
- Virus Total: 26 engines detected this file (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Shadow Copy (read October 7, 2026)
- Avira: What is Email spam (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)