Janelle ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Ransomware is a type of computer malware that locks all personal data and then demands ransom for its return. Janelle virus is a member of this category and recently showed up in the cybersecurity landscape.
Facts checked October 6, 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 .janelle: an automatic scan checks the PC first.
Do it yourself · free Remove Janelle ransomware yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.
Start the steps
Janelle ransomware: summary
| Name | Janelle ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, data locking malware, cryptovirus |
| Based on | HiddenTear |
| File extension | .JANELLE, appended to each of the personal files, which means they can no longer be opened or edited |
| Ransom note | index.html and Readme.txt |
| Contact | Via the ransom note |
| 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
| Ransom demand | $600 in bitcoin |
|---|---|
| File Recovery | If no backups are available, recovering data is almost impossible. Nonetheless, we suggest you try the alternative methods that could help you in some cases – we list them below |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .janelle |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 | .janelle |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 9 September 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.janelle - Note file:
Readme.txt
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Janelle ransomware
- Perform a full system scan with powerful security software
- Malware can seriously tamper with Windows systems, causing errors, crashes, lag, and other stability issues after it is terminated.
- Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
The Janelle ransomware note
Oops! Your FIles have been encrypted
What Happened to My Computer?
Your important files are encrypted. Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted. Maybe you are busy looking for a way to recover your files, but do not waste your time. Nobody can recover your files without our decryption service.
Can I Recover My Files?
Sure. We guarantee that you can recover all your files safely and easily. But if you want to decrypt all your files, you need to pay. You have 24 hours to submit the payment. After that the price will be doubled. Also, if you don't pay in 7 days, you will not be able to recover your files forever.
How Do I Pay?
Payment is accepted in Bitcoin only. For more information, click
Please check the current price of Bitcoin and buy some bitcoins. For more information, click
And send the correct amount to the address specified in this window.
After your payment, click . Best time to check: 9:00am - 11:00am GMT from Monday to Friday.
Once the payment is checked, you can start decrypting your files immediately.
Contact
If you need our assistance, send a message by clicking .
We strongly recommend you to not remove this software, and disable your anti-virus for a while, until you pay and the payment gets processed. If your anti-virus gets updated and removes this software automatically, you will not be able to recover your files even if you pay!
Send $600 worth of bitcoin to this address
How to remove Janelle 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 Janelle 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
Janelle ransomware encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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
Copy
Readme.txtand one or two files ending in.janelleto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them. Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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
For Janelle ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Janelle ransomware still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or 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
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
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
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
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.
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
If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
Janelle ransomware threatens to delete the decryption key after a certain amount of time
Ransomware is a type of computer malware that locks all personal data and then demands ransom for its return.
Janelle virus is a member of this category and recently showed up in the cybersecurity landscape. While it is unknown which channels malware uses to propagate, victims get infected without knowing anything about it, and once they realize what's happened, it is already too late.
By that, we mean that all pictures, videos, documents, and other personal files get locked with a strong encryption algorithm, acquiring the .JANELLE extension in the process. Note that the data is not corrupted; it simply requires a unique key to unlock it and bring it back to the working state.
If you wonder who has this key - it is the cybercriminals behind the malware attack, although it is obvious that they are not willing to provide it for free.
As soon as the encryption process, which lasts mere seconds, is complete, a pop-up window titled JANELLE (it can be found on the computer's desktop under the index.html name) shows up. It explains the situation to victims and claims that the only way to recover files is by paying a ransom within 24 hours, which should be transferred as $600-worth of bitcoins.
Additionally, ransomware drops another text file, "Readme.txt," which serves as a FAQ, where most frequently, questions by victims are answered. We strongly discourage victims from cooperating or even contacting the attackers, as there is a chance of being scammed after paying the ransom.
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
The ransom notes
Let's dive into the analysis of the ransom notes.
As we already mentioned, there are two ransom notes that are dropped after the file encryption is complete. One of them immediately opens automatically, so there is no way that victims would miss it.
In fact, ransomware does not hide its presence as soon as it manages to infect Windows and encrypt files but rather tries to make sure that users would see the contact and other relevant information - it increases the chances of payment.
Here's the full message from the pop-up window:
The ransom note reminds the one used by the notorious WannaCry virus, which started the ransomware spree back in 2017. Unsurprisingly, the structure of the note is also very similar. More recent malware strains such as Djvu do not include the timer, neither do they claim that the key to the files will be lost after a certain period of time.
However, it seems like the authors of Janelle ransomware try to apply pressure to victims, as ticking time might corner them - this is especially true if the locked data is extremely important. Basically, the attackers are using any means in order to make users pay the demanded $600. Keep in mind, however, that there is no proof that the key will be deleted completely after the time expires.
Crooks are also mentioning the fact that using security software might fully corrupt all data, which is also not true, as long as you perform Janelle ransomware removal correctly - it is your first step for recovery.
Find all the information needed below. Remember, while paying criminals might seem like the only choice, it is extremely risky, as cybercriminals can never be trusted in general. Besides, it would only encourage them to infect more people.
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
What to do after being infected?
Ransomware is among the most devastating computer infections.
According to the 2021 report, it has seen a rise of 151% in 2021 from the previous year. Corporations are extremely vulnerable to this phenomenon, although home users are also popular targets to cybercriminals. This is why new strains, such as Janelle, emerge (malware does not seem to be connected to any previous malware family).
This is another red flag, however, as cybercriminals might not be experienced enough. For example, the decryption tool might not work or could be infected with other malware.
Warning: Thus, do not contact the attackers but rather fight the infection.
We provide a step-by-step guide below.
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
1. Remove ransomware
To prevent the ransomware from corrupting your data and remove the infection carefully, you should access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan with or anti-malware.
Before you do this, disconnect your computer from the internet - you can simply plug out the ethernet cable or disconnect your WiFi via a system tray.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
After you remove all malicious files from your system, do not rush to leave it just yet and proceed with the next step.
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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.
- Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Click Restart.
- Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
2. Make backups
If you have backups for your files ready, you can skip this step.
The unfortunate truth is that most ransomware victims do not back up their data, ending up losing it after the infection has occurred. This scenario is very unfortunate, especially when files are important - precious photos or work/school documents.
If you are one of those people who do not have backups, you should use an external storage device to copy all the encrypted files over. This would guarantee that the locked data would not get corrupted when trying to restore it using the methods provided below.
Note: to avoid this scenario in the future, make sure you backup your files regularly. You can find more information on how to do that below.
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
3. Recover your files without paying
As we already mentioned, this ransomware is relatively new, so there has been no proof yet that the attackers can actually provide a working decryptor.
Therefore, the risk of losing not only files but also money is quite high.
One of the most effective things you can try is third-party recovery software.
Another way to restore .JANELLE files is to wait for a free decryptor from security experts. There are plenty of examples where researchers managed to find bugs within the ransomware code, which allowed them to create a free decryption tool.
Alternatively, law enforcement agencies might capture the remote servers controlled by the attackers, which would make all the unique keys available to victims. Here are a few links you can use to look for a decryptor:
Unfortunately, there is also a chance that none of these methods might work for you currently.
- Download .
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
- No More Ransom Project
- Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
4. Repair damaged system
Finally, you should not forget your Windows system, which could be damaged after a malware infection.
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 cannot do 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 reinstallation is required.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it can also remove malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application can also fix 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
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 .janelle 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 Janelle ransomware
How do I open .janelle files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .janelle ending shows that Janelle 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 Janelle ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
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 Janelle ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Janelle 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 "Janelle 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.
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 Janelle ransomware get on my computer?
The way Janelle 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 .janelle 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 Janelle ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Janelle ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .janelle 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 Janelle 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 .janelle from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .janelle 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 Readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name Readme.txt, 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 Janelle 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 Janelle 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
- Threat Post: Ransomware Volumes Hit Record Highs as 2021 Wears On (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Software bug (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)