PassLock ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
PassLock ransomware, found by S!Ri, is claimed to be a serious cyber infection that targets English-speaking users who employ Windows computers. The malware starts with altering the Windows Registry and Task Manager sections.
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.
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PassLock ransomware: summary
| Distribution | The malware often escapes to different computer systems through p2p networks such as The Pirate Bay, hacked RDP that includes weak configuration, and email spam messages that hold malicious attachments or infectious hyperlinks |
|---|---|
| Name | PassLock ransomware |
| Category | Ransomware/malware |
| Encryption | This malicious cyber infection performs the encryption process on all types of files, including photos, audios, videos, databases, word documents, etc. The malware uses the AES-256 cipher to lock up all the data that is found on the infected Windows computer system. Afterward, the .encrypted appendix gets attached to each filename |
| Related file | When the ransomware virus enters the computer system, it brings the PassLock.exe executable that has been detected as malicious and unsafe by 50 different AV tools, according to VirusTotal |
| Message | PassLock ransomware virus provides a pop-up window that introduces the victims to what had just happened. Users are threatened that there is no way to restore the locked files unless they own backups |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 14 more facts
| Data recovery | Rather than taking any risks and paying demanded ransoms, you should try other data recovery alternatives that have been included to the end of this article |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Ransom note | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | .encrypted |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Encrypted files | .encrypted |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 11 February 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.encrypted
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on PassLock ransomware
- If you have been dealing with the cyber threat lately, you should get rid of it ASAP.
- Employ reliable antimalware software that can help you to terminate the virus properly
- If you have discovered any compromised or damaged areas on your Windows device, you can try repairing them with the help of
- PassLock Stop, your files have been encrypted!
- Some of your files have been encrypted.
- Photos, videos, documents and other files are not accessible because they have been encrypted with the AES-256 algorithm.
- Don't waste time trying to recover encrypted files because you won't be able to.
- Can I recover my files?
- No, you can't recover your files if you don't have a backup.
- The files cannot be decrypted.
- Note You can safely get rid of the virus.
- Once deleted, the computer will no longer be infected.
- You will never be able to get your original files back if you don't have a backup.
- You can safely delete your encrypted files, they only take up memory.
- Your system files have not been damaged.
How PassLock ransomware behaves
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
PassLock ransomware - a cyber virus that alters Windows OS settings while seeking to encrypt files
PassLock ransomware, found by S!Ri, is claimed to be a serious cyber infection that targets English-speaking users who employ Windows computers.
The malware starts with altering the Windows Registry and Task Manager sections. When new malicious processes and registry keys are added to those locations, including the main PassLock.exe process, the virus is able to lock up all files that are discovered on the infected device. The encryption process begins when launching the AES-256 cipher and targetting all types of files and documents that are found on the infected Windows machine.
When PassLock ransomware finishes the encryption process, it applies the .encrypted appendix to each filename in order to mark its activity. When all files are renamed, the malware loads a pop-up message that provides the victims with information on what has just happened.
The note claims that the ransomware virus has locked up all files and you can only restore them from a backup. However, this ransom message is not a regular ransom-demanding note as it does not provide any information on the fee that needs to be paid for receiving the decryption software.
Crooks are likely to scare the victims and leave them with no choice of file recovery. They claim that the files should be deleted from the infected device as they only take space. Also, hackers state that the victims are free to get rid of the virus now.
However, if you are ever provided with any type of ransom demand by PassLock virus, you should not agree to pay any monetary fee as there is a big risk of getting scammed by criminals.
According to VirusTotal, PassLock ransomware and has been detected through its main malicious payload - the PassLock.exe executable. 50 different types of antivirus programs have spotted this malware string. Some of the detection names include Win32:Malware-gen, Generic.Ransom.Small.00188FAB, Malware@#3881l2isic0n1, Mal/Generic-S, etc.
Even though PassLock ransomware does not provide any particular ransom demands in the ransom message, you still should be aware of any types of payment requests that cybercriminals might still outline later. Crooks can urge for a ransom price starting anywhere from $50 to $2000 or even more. Also, the sum needs to be transferred in cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency payments such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Litecoin, and others are often required due to the anonymity if the process that is guaranteed while paying in this type of digital currency. If PassLock ransomware developers would urge for a ransom price, they would also want to ensure their anonymity because of illegitimate monetary requirements.
Even though PassLock ransomware does encrypt files and adds the .encrypted extension to the filenames, criminals seem to be more interested in ruing things for the victims by scaring them and not leaving any possibility to get out of this situation. The provided informative message states that there is no way of restoring files if there are no backups available:
PassLock ransomware can target any types of files such as videos, audios, photos, powerpoints, word document, excel sheets, etc. When all of these components get locked, criminals often store both encryption and decryption keys on remote servers that are only accessible for the owners themselves.
Some file-encrypting cyber threats seek to harden the data recovery process by eliminating the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted documents and PassLock ransomware might also not be an exception. It might run specific PowerShell commands and prevent the victims from employing file restoring software that requires safe Shadow Copies.
In addition, PassLock ransomware might be programmed to act as a backdoor for other malware infiltration. The ransomware might be able to disable antivirus protection on the Windows device and let various parasites such as trojans, worms, spyware, bots, or other ransomware virus settle on the vulnerable computer system.
You can avoid this type of consequence by rushing the PassLock ransomware removal. You need to take action against the malware as soon as you see the locked files and spot the criminals' provided message. Beware that using automatic antimalware software is the only proper option that will help you to complete the process safely.
However, if you are having some trouble to remove PassLock ransomware from Windows, you should boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to diminish all malicious changes on your devices. Afterward, get rid of the parasite and scan for possible machine damage. If you have spotted any altered areas, try repairing them with software such as .
When PassLock ransomware is gone, it is time to start thinking about your files. Since crooks have left you with no clear possibility of file restoring, there are some alternative techniques that you can try. Go to the end of this page where you will find three different pieces of software that might be capable of recovering some of your files and documents.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Vulnerable RDP configuration is a "game on" for hackers
Technology experts from LesVirus.fr are warning all users to take more care of their passwords that are securing the RDPs.
If the person ads a very weak one or none at all, remote hackers can easily misuse them for pushing malware such as ransomware. It is known that cybercriminals are likely to abuse the TCP port 3389.
Also, ransomware viruses are delivered through email spam messages and the attachments that come clipped to them or the hyperlinks that come included in the note's content itself.
Developers of the malware pretend to be from reliable healthcare, banking, or shipping organizations and falsely ten to deliver some type of crucial information. A piece of advice would be to stay away from any content that you were not expecting to receive recently.
To continue, malware developers often abuse unsecured downloading sources such as p2p networks, i.e. The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent. These places include cracked games, videos, films, and other types of products. Get all of your software and services only from original developers and trustworthy sources, otherwise, you can accidentally download a virtual parasite to your computer system.
Finally, always take care of automatical protection on every electronical device that you are using for browsing the Internet. This included downloading a reliable and effective antimalware program that is capable of scanning the system, protecting from malware infections, and alerting if something wrong is going on. Of course, you need to keep the tool updated if you want it not to run in various flaws.
How to remove PassLock 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 PassLock 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 PassLock 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 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 PassLock ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 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 PassLock 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 PassLock 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 2020 · not reviewed since
Automatical PassLock ransomware removal guidelines
You should take care of the virtual parasite as soon as you find it lurking in the computer system.
The first signs of infection are encrypted files and a ransom message that comes provided by cybercriminals. When you get hold of such information, you can start performing PassLock ransomware removal. Our point is that you should take this case seriously and employ only trustworthy antimalware software that would be capable of eliminating the ransomware virus.
Remove PassLock ransomware from all of the infected directories of your Windows device. If you are having any trouble with this process, activate Safe Mode with Networking as shown at the end of this article.
When you have wiped out your computer from PassLock ransomware and it is damage-free, you can start thinking about possibilities to recover your files. Below we have provided some restoring software that might be very helpful.
[GI=method-1]To get rid of malicious changes and deactivate the ransomware infection, turn on Safe Mode with Networking. If you do not know how to opt for this function, take a look at the following instructions.
[GI=method-2]To activate the System Restore feature and diminish all malicious changes on your Windows computer, you should follow the below-provided guidelines.
Try out this piece of software that might help you to repair some of your encrypted components. Make sure to complete each step as required to reach the best results possible.
Windows Previous Versions feature might relate in file restoring.
If you use this piece of software for restoring your files, you might reach great results. However, the technique might not work as required if you have not rebooted your machine in System Restore recently.
Employing Shadow Explorer might allow recovering at least some individual files.
If you have been looking for a tool that would help you to restore your encrypted data, you can try this one. However, keep in mind, that this technique will not work if the ransomware virus has already eliminated or permanently damage the Shadow Volume Copies of your files and documents.
The official .encrypted files decrypter has not been yet released.
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 PassLock ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .encrypted and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
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 PassLock ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .encrypted files?
That depends on the family behind the .encrypted extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .encrypted files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .encrypted ending shows that PassLock 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 PassLock ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Did PassLock ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by PassLock ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .encrypted and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
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 PassLock ransomware get on my computer?
The way PassLock 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 .encrypted and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is PassLock 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.
My files got .encrypted overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .encrypted extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will removing PassLock ransomware unlock my .encrypted files?
No. Removing PassLock ransomware stops it from encrypting more files and from starting again, but it does not decrypt the files that already end in .encrypted. The scanner does not have the attackers' key.
Files come back only from a backup, from copies the ransomware did not reach, such as OneDrive version history, Previous Versions, e-mail attachments or a phone, or with a working decryptor if one exists.
Remove the ransomware first anyway: if you restore files while it is still active, it can encrypt them again. Keep the encrypted files; a decryptor may be published later.
Will Fortect remove PassLock 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 PassLock 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
- Twitter: #ransomware #wiper PassLock (read October 6, 2026)
- VirusTotal: 50 engines detected this file (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Bitcoin (read October 6, 2026)
- LesVirus: LesVirus.fr (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)