Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Decrypthelp@qq.com virus is a version of .java ransomware. Both of them belong to Dharma/Crysis malware family that has been threatening computer users and encrypting their files for a couple of years.
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
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Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.
A free scan checks for the encryptor still on the PC; it does not decrypt .java files.
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Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | A message left on the computer; the text is quoted in full below |
| Contact | Decrypthelp@qq.com, decrypthelp@qq.com, Decrypthelp@qq.com.java |
| Encrypted file extension | .java |
| 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 9 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .java |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 20 February 2018 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Names and addresses to look for
- File extension:
.java - Note file:
the ransom note
The Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware note
Your computer has been infected with Decrypthelp@qq.com Ransomware.
All the files found on your drives have been encrypted with a complex algorithm.
To regain your access, strictly follow the instructions, provided in the ransom notification.
How to remove Decrypthelp@qq.com 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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 confirm the family
Your files now end in
.javaand the instructions are inthe ransom note. 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.

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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware, 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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 Feb 2018 · not reviewed since
Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware locks files with .java file extension on the affected computer
Decrypthelp@qq.com virus is a version of .java ransomware.
Both of them belong to Dharma/Crysis malware family that has been threatening computer users and encrypting their files for a couple of years.
Crypto-virus uses AES encryption cipher and appends .[decrypthelp@qq.com].java file extension to the targeted files without leaving a chance to recover or open them. The malicious program aims at the most popular file types to cause more damage to the user and convince into paying the ransom.
Once file encryption is finished, Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware delivers a ransom note where crooks provide instructions what victims have to do:
They are asked to transfer a specific amount of Bitcoins to the provided Bitcoin wallet address. However, security experts advise not to do it.
Authors of Decrypthelp@qq.com.java ransomware are not reliable. This illegal file-encrypting program is created for swindling the money only. Therefore, giving victims promised decryptor is just a matter of crook's conscience.
There's no doubt that authors of ransomware are not worth trusting. Instead of taking their offer and following their data recovery solutions, you should remove Decrypthelp@qq.com virus from the device using powerful malware removal software.
This software can clean the computer and restore damage to the system that may have been caused by the ransomware. The malicious program usually modifies the system and Windows registry in order to boot in system startup.
Additionally, malware might install numerous malicious components and affect important system processes. Therefore, manual elimination is extremely dangerous and complicated process that can be performed by IT specialists. For this reason, you should rely on reputable security tools.
However, we want to stress out that removal of the Decrypthelp@qq.com virus does not bring back your files. Malware removal software does not work as a decryptor. Unfortunately, the official decryptor for this malware is not released yet. Thus, you can only rely on your backups or try alternative recovery options (you can find them presented below).


From our report of Feb 2018 · not reviewed since
Methods used to spread ransomware
Developers of file-encrypting virus mostly rely on malspam as the main distribution method.
This strategy allows tricking users into opening obfuscated email attachment that contains malicious components.
Usually, these spam emails tell about issues with your bank account or parcel delivery problems. However, they might look as important documents or scanned pics. However, opening these safe looking files, lead to infiltration of malicious programs.
However, the virus might be installed to the system using other methods, such as:
However, taking precautions and avoiding visiting shady websites or clicking unknown links can help to minimize the risk of ransomware attack. Unfortunately, no one can feel 100% safe from the ransomware attack. For this reason, you should also install a reputable antivirus that offers real-time protection.
Security specialists from zondervirus.nl remind that creating backups is also very important. In case of ransomware attack, you won't be considering paying the ransom and risking to face a financial loss.
- bogus software downloads;
- fake updates;
- malicious ads;
- exploit kits.
From our report of Feb 2018 · not reviewed since
Eliminate Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware virus properly
The only safe way to remove Decrypthelp@qq.com from the computer is to use a powerful security software.
Ransomware-type cyber threats are complicated and nearly impossible to terminate manually.
After Decrypthelp@qq.com removal, you can recover files from backups. However, if you do not have them, please follow the guide given at the end of the article. There you will find additional recovery methods that might help to restore at least some of the files until the official decrypter is released.
[GI=method-1]If you cannot run automatic Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware removal, you have to reboot your PC to Safe Mode to Networking.
[GI=method-2]This method might also help to disable the virus and get rid of it automatically:
This professional software is designed to restore corrupted or accidentally deleted files. However, it might be useful after ransomware attack too.
This method allows copying previously saved versions of the files. However, in order to do so, you need to have System Restore enabled before ransomware attack.
Use ShadowExplorer to recover files from shadow copies
If Decrypthelp@qq.com did not delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files, you should try ShadowExplorer to restore corrupted files:
Decryptor for Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware is not available yet.
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.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .java and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
Questions about Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware
How do I open .java files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .java ending shows that Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Is there a free Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 "Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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.
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.
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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware get on my computer?
The way Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 .java 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.
Did Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .java 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.
Is Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware 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 .java from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .java 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.
What does the ransom note tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name the ransom note, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Will Fortect remove Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware?
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 Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware, 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
- CNET: How to spot a phishing email (read October 7, 2026)
- ZonderVirus: ZonderVirus (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)