Pewcrypt ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Pewcrypt ransomware is a file locking malware that is not created for money extortion purposes, unlike most of the other crypto-viruses are. The author, who is most likely a fan of a popular YouTuber PewDiePie, asks users to subscribe to his channel in order to surpass the sub count of the of Indian channel that uploads Bollywood movie trailers.
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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Pewcrypt ransomware: summary
| Name | Pewcrypt |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Written in | Java |
| Related files | PewCrypt.exe, javaw.exe, icacls.exe, conhost.exe |
| Virus relations | PewDiePie ransomware |
| Author | __JustMe__ |
| 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 16 more facts
| File extension | .PewCrypt |
|---|---|
| Decryptable? | Yes. Emsisoft has released the original decryptor for this ransomware. Also, the ransomware author himself has released the tool PewDecrypt.exe. It can be downloaded here. |
| 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 | .pewcrypt |
| 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 Windows Security "Threats found" notification |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .pewcrypt |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 25 March 2019 |
| Microsoft Defender name | PUA:Win32/Presenoker |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Which name will your scanner show?
Microsoft's name for Pewcrypt is PUA:Win32/Presenoker.
Defender sorts threats by category first, so the word before the colon tells you what kind of program was found, even if the family name means nothing to you.
Do not search for a removal tool by the detection name alone; fake "removal tools" use the same keywords. How the naming works is explained in our guide to antivirus detection names.
- File extension:
.pewcrypt
From our report of Mar 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Pewcrypt
- To recover from virus damage, scan your machine with
- Your files have been encrypted using a 256 bit AES key which has been encrypted with a 2048 bit RSA key In order to get your files back read the instructions bellow Instructions: - Subscribe to Pewdiepie (Hint: Hit the bro fist) - Wait until Pewdiepie reaches 100 million subs at which point a decryption tool will be realseaed If T-Series beats Pewdiepie THE PRIVATE KEY WILL BE DELETED AND YOU FILES GONE FOREVER!
How Pewcrypt ransomware behaves
From our report of Mar 2019 · not reviewed since
Pewcrypt ransomware - a virus that is created to increase sub count for the famous YouTube star PewDiePie
Pewcrypt ransomware is a file locking malware that is not created for money extortion purposes, unlike most of the other crypto-viruses are.
The author, who is most likely a fan of a popular YouTuber PewDiePie, asks users to subscribe to his channel in order to surpass the sub count of the of Indian channel that uploads Bollywood movie trailers. Allegedly, the hacker claims that decryptor will be released as soon as the favorite YouTuber gets 100 million subscribers.
Pewcrypt ransomware is written in Java programming language and uses AES-256 to encrypt data, and then RSA-2048 encryption for the key. Once the process is complete, all pictures, music, databases, documents and other data receives an extension .PewCrypt and becomes inaccessible for victims.
Victims of malware are also introduced with a pop-up window which explains what happened to users' data and also displays T-Series and PewDiePie sub count. However, ransomware author, who goes by the name __JustMe__ on Twitter, has released the decryption tool for everybody to use for free.
Considering the immense popularity of this YouTuber (he has been the most subscribed blogger on the platform for over five years), it is not surprising that hackers are creating malware like Pewcrypt or PewDiePie ransomware. However, while in most cases cybercriminals use malicious actions to extort money from users, these viruses do not ask for that. Instead, they want victims to subscribe to PewDiePie.
Being a fan of somebody is OK, but corrupting users' personal files for the sake of the popularity of the YouTuber is purely malicious, and should still be treated negatively. We must give the author credit for releasing the decryptor for free, however. Nevertheless, you need to remove Pewcrypt ransomware before you can use the tool, as all the data will be encrypted repeatedly.
Once the Pewcrypt virus settles, it heavily modifies various Windows settings, spawns multiple processes, attempts to shut down security applications, writes to Windows registry, injects new processes, etc. This ensures that malware will be launched with every system startup.
As soon as file encryption is complete and .Pewcrypt extension is added to most of the files (note that malware skips files larger than 20MB, as well as .exe, .jar and .dll extensions) users can see a ransom note in a pop-up window, which states:
It is up to you whether or not you want to subscribe to the channel, as it will not change to your personally. For the moment, you need to focus on Pewcrypt ransomware removal.
In the early stages of the discovery, researchers warned that only 2 AV engines detected the threat. However, Virus Total results currently show that the malicious file is detected by 30 vendors under names like Trojan.GenericKD.41039316, Ransom_Agent.R002C0OBP19, PUA:Win32/Presenoker, Java/Filecoder.AF!tr., Win32:Trojan-gen, etc.
Once you eliminate Pewcrypt ransomware from your PC, make sure you scan it with . It will be able to fix damaged Windows Registry and revert all the damage done to the operating system. Finally, you can use the decryptor released by the author to recover files, although backups and third-party tools are also available for PewCrypt ransomware decryption.
From our report of Mar 2019 · not reviewed since
Be attentive while browsing the internet to avoid malware infections
Quite often, users do not take cybersecurity seriously, as they are mostly not aware of the consequences that various malware infection can induce to not only computer but also the user.
Simply put, in case of ransomware infection you might lose your files permanently, which can be non-impactful to some but devastating to others (for example, several businesses that suffered ransomware attacks hard to rebuild the infrastructure from scratch, an operation which costs millions).
Finally, such items like photos can bring a lot of memories and are invaluable. Thus, many people risk losing hundreds of dollars and pay ransom to crooks. As usually it is not recommended, as the chance of getting scammed is very high. Instead, try not to get infected in the first place:
- Use reputable security software with real-time protection feature;
- Patch your system as soon security updates are released;
- Do not run Flash Player and Java plugins, or set it to click-to-play;
- Beware of bundled software, as it can sometimes include malware;
- Stay away from high-risk sites like porn, gambling, torrents, etc.;
- Do not click on links or attachments inside suspicious spam emails.
How to remove Pewcrypt 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 Pewcrypt 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 Pewcrypt 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 Pewcrypt, 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 Pewcrypt 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 Pewcrypt 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 Mar 2019 · not reviewed since
Eliminate Pewcrypt ransomware before you proceed with file recovery
As we already mentioned, you need to make sure that Pewcrypt ransomware removal is performed before you attempt to recover your personal data like pictures, music, videos, databases, documents, etc. For that, you will have to use a security application that can detect and eliminate the threat.
As Pewcrypt virus uses obfuscation and evasion techniques, it is highly recommended entering Safe Mode with Networking first. The safe environment will ensure that malware is not running in the background and it will not interfere with anti-virus application.
Once you remove Pewcrypt ransomware, use backups to restore your files safely. In case you never prepared any - take advantage of decryptor released by malware author. Finally, you can try third-party tools if nothing else helps.
[GI=method-1]To remove Pewcrypt virus from your machine safely, enter Safe Mode with Networking and perform full system scan using security software:
[GI=method-2]System Restore can also be used to stop the virus:
This recovery tool can sometimes recover files that are encrypted by ransomware virus.
Windows Previous versions feature might be useful
If you had System Restore enabled before Pewcrypt ransomware struck, you might be able to recover some of your files separately.
Take advantage of ShadowExplorer
If ransomware failed to remove Shadow Volume Copies, use ShadowExplorer to restore all your data.
Use decryption tool released by the virus author
Download decryptor released by malware author here. Download decryptor released by the cybersecurity company Emsisoft here.
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 Pewcrypt 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 .pewcrypt and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Pewcrypt ransomware
How do I open .pewcrypt files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .pewcrypt ending shows that Pewcrypt 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 Pewcrypt. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Did Pewcrypt steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Pewcrypt, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .pewcrypt 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 there a free Pewcrypt decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Pewcrypt 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 "Pewcrypt 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 Pewcrypt get on my computer?
The way Pewcrypt 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 .pewcrypt 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 Pewcrypt 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 .pewcrypt from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .pewcrypt 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.
Defender removed PUA:Win32/Presenoker. Am I safe now?
Often yes, but check two things. First, whether the detection was caught on arrival: a file in Downloads or in an archive that Defender quarantined before it ran is the best case.
Second, whether PUA:Win32/Presenoker comes back. If it returns, or if Protection history shows several different detections around the same date, something on the PC keeps producing the file and needs to be found.
Run a full scan and, if anything remains, an offline scan. If the category names a password stealer or a backdoor, change your passwords from another device even if the file is gone.
Will Fortect remove Pewcrypt?
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 Pewcrypt, 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: PEWDIEPIE RANSOMWARE (read October 6, 2026)
- Virus Total: PewCrypt.exe (read October 6, 2026)
- 2-spyware: Maersk needed 10 days to recover from NotPetya attack fully (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Malware (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)