CryptoWall 3.0 virus: what it is and how to remove it
CryptoWall 3.0 virus is a dangerous ransomware which can easily lead you to lots of trouble. This threat has no problem blocking your files, blackmailing you and feels no shame leaving its victims penny-less .
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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CryptoWall 3.0 virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | named help_decrypt.png .txt .html; the text of the note is not in our records |
| 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 |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 8 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | CryptoWall 3.0 virus |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 2 January 2021 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
How CryptoWall 3.0 virus behaves
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
CryptoWall 3.0: the main features of the famous ransomware spin-off
CryptoWall 3.0 virus is a dangerous ransomware which can easily lead you to lots of trouble.
This threat has no problem blocking your files, blackmailing you and feels no shame leaving its victims penny-less . If you want to avoid such issues, you should try your best when preventing CryptoWall 3.0 and previous its versions, such as Cryptowall, Cryptolocker, CTB Locker, etc from infecting your PC. Otherwise, you can be left without your important documents, photos, video files and similar data.
If any of the previously mentioned viruses infiltrate the system, they typically start by scanning and encrypting the predetermined files. It is now known that CryptoWall 3.0 virus is specifically looking for these file extensions:
- 3fr
- accdb
- ai
- arw
- bay
- cdr
- cer
- cr2
- crt
- crw
- dbf
- dcr
- der
- dng
- doc
- docm
- docx
- dwg
- dxf
- dxg
- eps
- erf
- indd
- jpe
- jpg
- kdc
- mdb
- mdf
- mef
- mrw
- nef
- nrw
- odb
- odm
- odp
- ods
- odt
- orf
- p12
- p7b
- p7c
- pdd
- pef
- pem
- pfx
- ppt
- pptm
- pptx
- psd
- pst
- ptx
- r3d
- raf
- raw
- rtf
- rw2
- rwl
- srf
- srw
- wb2
- wpd
- wps
- xlk
- xls
- xlsb
- xlsm
- xlsx
- etc. After finding these files
- the virus encrypts their content with the help of AES CBC 256-bit encryption algorithm
This means that the only way to decrypt each of the encrypted files is to get a decryption key. After it's done encrypting, Cryptowall displays a full-screen warning message instructing the victim about possible data recovery options. Typically, the extortionists ask to download and install Tor web browser, launch it and then visit an indicated website.
Here, the victim is asked to pay a ransom of $500. After failing to do so within 7 days, the hackers threaten to increase the sum to $1000. However, we want to encourage you NOT to pay the fine. There is no guarantee that after pushing you into paying a ransom, CryptoWall owners will send you the decryption key.
At the moment of writing, ransomware-type programs are a serious threat for all PC users. Luckily, there are also lots of developers who began designing specific tools that could help the affected PC users. If this parasite has just appeared on your desktop, you should run a full system scan with and remove CryptoWall 3.0 from your computer for good.
The CryptoWall 3.0 virus ransom note
The note is called named help_decrypt.png .txt .html.
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove CryptoWall 3.0 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 CryptoWall 3.0 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.
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 CryptoWall 3.0 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: 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 CryptoWall 3.0 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
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing CryptoWall 3.0 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 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 CryptoWall 3.0 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.
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 Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Preventing CryptoWall 3.0 infiltration. Is it possible?
If you want to avoid ransomware such as CryptoWall 3.0, you must take active steps to prevent it.
First of all, make sure you have a reputable anti-spyware installed on your computer. Also, try to keep it up-to-date to have an ability to see what malware is trying to get inside your PC system. Also, make sure you stay away from misleading email messages.
If an email looks suspicious , it is full of typos or grammar mistakes, or if you don't recognize the sender, simply ignore it. You can try to contact the person who is responsible for this mail and double check him/her. Otherwise, you may be tricked into clicking on a malicious link or downloading an infected email attachment.
If CryptoWall 3.0 enters the system, it takes only a few minutes until it checks it, blocks the files and starts demanding ransom. If you think that you are infected with CryptoWall 3.0 ransomware, scroll to the end of the article and perform the required actions.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question.
I got infected with CryptoWall 3.0 ransomware last week. It seems that all my drivers except C have been affected. Is there anything else I can do instead paying the ransom to get my files back?
Answer. The worst thing that you can do is to pay the ransom. Doing so is equal to giving away your money straight to online scammers. Moreover, you can disclose your credit card details and other personal information that is related to your bank account.
Thus, instead of paying the ransom, remove CryptoWall 3.0 from your PC and use a data recovery tool for encrypting your personal files. For that, you can rely on a guide, which is given down below.
Question. A couple of days ago Cryptowall virus infected my computer. Fortunately, it seems that it has affected only one folder in my hard drive and, luckily, it does not contain any important data. Of course, I'm not going to pay the ransom for criminals; however, I wonder if it's enough to remove the infected folder to get rid of this threat?
Answer. NO. Ransomware is very deceiving and very cleverly designed computer infections that can hide in computer's memory for a long time and then attack unexpectedly. Removal of the folder with encrypted files will not help you at all.
In contrast, you may lose more important data, such as photos, documents, music, videos, etc. Thus, the only hundred percent reliable data protection solution is a full CryptoWall 3.0 removal. Recently, 2-spyware security experts prepared a helpful guide that should help you with the removal of Cryptowall 3.0. You can find it down below.
Question. How can I decrypt my files after Cryptowall infiltration? My whole drive has been encrypted.
I made a backup on a separate drive, but it is also infected. Is there a way to decrypt my files without experiencing any damage?
Answer. The most important thing that you have to remember is NOT to pay the ransom that you are demanded to pay. This way you risk disclosing credit card details to online scammers. Besides, we doubt if the key that you will get after making the payment will help you in decrypting your data.
Therefore, as soon as this ransomware affects your machine, scan it with a reputable anti-spyware and try to recover data using a R-Studio, Photorec or another data recovery software. All details are given below.
Question. Yesterday I got attacked by CryptoWall 3.0. I've found the file named help_decrypt.png .txt .html in every folder and removed it. Besides, I did remove it from the registry.
Nevertheless, file types, such as .xls .pdf, .doc, etc. cannot be opened. What's the problem? It's the first time I'm dealing with the ransomware, but I'm not going to pay a dollar for those frauds. Please, advice!
Answer. Manual CryptoWall 3.0. ransomware removal is not possible. The only way to get rid of this infection is a full system scan using a reputable and updated (!) anti-spyware. If you want to delete CryptoWall 3.0. virus from your computer once and for all, you should use once of the programs that are mentioned below.
Question. Please provide me with a hand on getting my money and files back! I paid for these bastards $500 and received a fake key, which did nothing at all with encrypted files.
Is there any way to refund my money? And what about files? Are they lost permanently? Any help appreciated!
Answer. Such scenario is the most common. That's why we urge people NOT to pay the ransom. Unfortunately, it's not very likely that you will get your money back.
You can try to contact the bank and ask it to cancel the payment. However, this will certainly not work if you made the payment via Tor web browser. Speaking about encrypted data, we have better news.
Before starting the recovery, make sure that you remove CryptoWall 3.0 virus from the system with a reliable anti-spyware (the list of recommended programs is provided below). After that, install a reliable data recovery tool and try to decrypt your files. You can find a full Cryptowall 3.0 removal guide down below.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Free your computer from CryptoWall 3.0
If you are looking at a message which claims that your files have been encrypted and that you must pay certain amount of money to decrypt them, there is no denying that you are infected with ransomware and have to take action immediately. Don't try to remove CryptoWall 3.0 virus by yourself!
Minor mistakes during the virus elimination can have disastrous consequences and your computer may be corrupted beyond repair. Thus, it is best to perform the elimination automatically, using professional antivirus software. If you want to restore the access to your files, you should try using backups or, if you don't have them, try following manual recovery guidelines below this article.
We highly recommend thinking about the prevention of such infections like Cryptowall. Besides, don't forget to think about the immunity of your files and backup .
For that, you can use USB external hard drives, CDs, DVDs, or simply rely on online backups, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Flickr and other solutions. More information about backups can be found in this post: Why do I need backup and what options do I have for that?
[GI=method-1]CryptoWall 3.0 is not a lightweight infection, so it may not be eliminated from the computer that easily. CryptoWall may block your antivirus and prevent it from properly scanning the system.
[GI=method-2]In some cases, CryptoWall 3.0 may give in an abandon your computer easily, in other instances, the malware may be more difficult to remove. To help achieve a smoother elimination, we have prepared the guidelines below. When you are done with the indicated steps, run the scan of your system again.
Nevertheless, it works well with data recovery after ransomware infiltration, too. Here is how you use this tool:
Rolling back files encrypted by CryptoWall 3.0 with the help of Windows Previous Versions feature
Windows Previous Versions feature may help recover some of the CryptoWall 3.0 virus affected files. You will have to pick which files you want to roll back yourself:
Download ShadowExplorer to recover data encrypted by CryptoWall 3.0
With ShadowExplorer you can help your files only if their Volume Shadow Copies are not deleted by the virus. To test that complete these steps:
CryptoWall 3.0 decrypter
Unfortunately, CryptoWall 3.0 decrypter is currently unavailable. Please check back with us later.
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.
Make the next attack harmless
CryptoWall 3.0 virus could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (cryptoWall 3.0 virus in the list of installed apps) showed exactly which ones those were. The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
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 CryptoWall 3.0 virus
Is there a free CryptoWall 3.0 virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for CryptoWall 3.0 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 "CryptoWall 3.0 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.
How did CryptoWall 3.0 virus get on my computer?
The way CryptoWall 3.0 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 cryptoWall 3.0 virus 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.
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
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.
Did CryptoWall 3.0 virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by CryptoWall 3.0 virus, but the only confirmed sign is cryptoWall 3.0 virus 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.
Is CryptoWall 3.0 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.
The note says the price doubles after a deadline. Should I hurry?
No. Deadlines and discounts are pressure tactics meant to stop you from thinking, checking for a decryptor or talking to the police. Encrypted files do not get worse with time, and attackers who want money usually still answer after the deadline.
Use the time to remove the ransomware, check every backup and copy, identify the family and report the attack. If you are a business, let your incident response provider and insurer advise you. A rushed payment to the wrong address, or to a scammer posing as the attackers, is the more common mistake.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by CryptoWall 3.0?
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 CryptoWall 3.0 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 CryptoWall 3.0 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 CryptoWall 3.0 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
- Wikipedia: Advanced encryption standard (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)