Princess Locker ransomware virus: what it is and how to remove it
Princess Locker is a ransomware-type cyber threat that was first detected in autumn 2016. .
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Princess Locker ransomware virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt; the text is quoted in full below |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 8 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | Princess Locker ransomware virus |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | A ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 7 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 5 March 2018 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- Note file:
_HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt
From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Princess Locker ransomware virus
- However, in 2018 a new variant was spotted spreading.
- The appearance of the new variant hasn't been changed.
How Princess Locker ransomware virus behaves
From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
Princess Locker - a ransomware virus that is still active in 2018
Princess Locker is a ransomware-type cyber threat that was first detected in autumn 2016. .
Malware researchers thought that the virus is no longer active. However, in 2018 a variant was spotted spreading. The behavior of the virus seems to be the same. However, it uses a new ransom note called "=_HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt" and new Tor address.
When her highness Princess Locker was discovered, it resembled the infamous Cerber ransomware . However, it hasn't become as threatening as this ransomware. However, malware uses filthy distribution techniques and once it steps in the computer, it starts encrypting files using AES encryption.
Then it demands the ransom for the data recovery. It seemed that it would be hard for malware researchers to create a free decryption tool because malware generated a unique file extension for every victim.
However, researchers managed to crack ransomware's code and offered a free data recovery solution. Therefore, if your files have been affected, you should remove Princess Locker from the computer and restore your files!
Once all files are locked, the ransomware creates and saves ransom notes that can be named as:
The information in ransom notes consists of the ID of the victim, the unique file extension that is appended to encrypted files, and explanation on how to decrypt the corrupted data. The virus provides traditional ransomware instructions - the victim needs to install Tor browser and access a particular .onion website, which is known as "the payment site."
Now this is where things get suspicious. The payment website seems to be a copy of Cerber's payment website, just with the "Princess" logo on it. Just like Cerber, it provides 12 different languages to choose from, asks to enter victim's ID to access the payment site, and then presents the following information:
The virus asks for a very large sum of money - 3 Bitcoins. Such amount of money approximately is equal to 1812 USD. The virus does not allow the victim to save up money - the ransom should be paid within the time limit; otherwise, the price of the decryptor will double.
Princess Locker wants to prove that its intentions are real, so it allows the victim to test the decryptor by uploading one encrypted file.
The website unlocks the file and provides a healthy file version for the victim. If Princess Locker malware has encrypted your files, please, do not waste your money by paying the ransom. This would only fuel up criminals' efforts and allow them to continue their activities.
Besides, a malware analyst known as hasherezade has created a Princess Locker decryption software that can help you to get your files back for free. For more information about this decryptor, see data recovery instructions (provided at the end of this post). Meanwhile, remove Princess Locker virus with a strong anti-malware tool like or . Detailed Princess Locker removal instructions are presented below this article.
As soon as malware researchers released a free decryption tool, the rumors about Princess Locker 2.0 version appearance began. Updating and releasing new versions of the powerful viruses is quite common activity. Princess Locker has been known as a hazardous and widely spread computer infection, so the chances that the version of the malware will attack soon are quite big.
Besides, this file-encrypting virus belongs to a Ransomware-as-a-Service group, so there's a huge possibility that other hackers are interested in renting and modifying this malware as well. We can expect new versions of this royal virus attacking computer users, so it's impossible to protect your personal files and make data backups.
They will be helpful if Princess Locker 2.0 virus attacks your computer. Keep in mind that recently discovered decryption tool probably will not be able to recover files encrypted by the newest malware versions. So, it's better to stay safe than sorry. However, if you encountered malware, do not hesitate and remove Princess Locker 2.0 from the computer immediately.
- !_HOW_TO_RESTORE_ .TXT
- !_HOW_TO_RESTORE_ .HTML
- @_USE_TO_FIX_JJnY.txt
- =_HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt
From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
The new wave of Princess Locker attack was noticed in August 2017
Since malware experts managed to crack Princess Locker's code and find a way to go around the ransom-payment system with a free decryption tool, authors of this virus rushed to fix flaws in the ransomware code that led to a discovery of a free decryption tool.
The appearance of the variant hasn't been changed. It also uses the same name for the ransom note - !_HOW_TO_RESTORE_[victim's ID].txt and appends the same ID as a new file extension to every encrypted file. The ID is a mixture of 4-6 characters of random letters and digits. However, researchers are aware of Princess Locker 2.0 virus already and currently making every effort to crack the malicious code again.
If you have been infected with Princess Locker virus but you do not know which version is it, try the decryption tool suggested below. If the tool doesn't generate the decryption tool within a few minutes, most likely you have been hit by Princess Locker 2 ransomware.
In such case, we suggest you remove Princess Locker virus, back up encrypted data and stay patient. An updated decrypter can be released anytime soon.
The story of this malware might resemble the case of CryptXXX when the felons and IT researchers continuously play the game of cat-and-mouse. Similarly, besides fixing the flaws in the source code, now developers decided to draw a trump card – RIG exploit kit.
Specifically, the hacking tool is laced in certain websites. If users visit them, they risk accelerating PrincessLocker 2.0 installation. Specifically, this exploit is based on Internet Explorer (CVE-2013-2551, CVE-2014-6332, CVE-2015-2419, CVE-2016-0189) and Flash Player (CVE-2015-8651) vulnerabilities .
The attack is also associated with 188.225.84.28 IP address. After the encryption process is done, the malware leaves _USE_TO_REPAIR_ .html file with further instructions. At the moment, the crypto-virus demands 0.0770 bitcoins which amounts to $368.
From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
Malicious spam emails continue spreading ransomware virus
Just like Cerber or any other ransomware, Princess Locker virus is believed to be distributed via email, malware-laden ads and exploit kits .
The virus can drop its payload on the system after opening a malicious email attachment. Be aware that malicious file attachments are designed to look safe - criminals rename files as "invoice," "speeding_ticket," "test_results" or similarly .
The main way of preventing ransomware attacks is to avoid suspicious emails sent from unknown individuals. Another way of downloading malware is careless clicking on phony ads and browsing through questionable websites. Beware of malicious redirects that can throw you onto harmful web pages that contain exploit kits!
However, we understand that even the most careful users can be deceived by delusive techniques that criminals use. The most secure way to defend your computer from malware attacks is to install a reliable anti-malware tool.
The Princess Locker ransomware virus ransom note
Your files are encrypted!
It means that your files have been transformed on a structural level and became inaccessible.
In order to be able to access them again, you have to transform them back to the original state.
This can be done only with the help of special software - «Princess Decryptor» which can be purchased only on this website.
Each copy of «Princess Decryptor» works individually for each pair ID + Extension.
Therefore, you have to purchase your own one as any other user whose files have also been encrypted.
We accept only Bitcoin.
How to remove Princess Locker ransomware virus
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Princess Locker ransomware virus and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Princess Locker ransomware virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Princess Locker ransomware virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Princess Locker ransomware virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Princess Locker ransomware virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
Delete Princess Locker ransomware virus and decrypt your files without paying the ransom
Princess Locker virus is a highly dangerous computer infection, so please do not try to remove it manually.
Besides, if you have been infected with Princess Locker 2.0 ransomware or other its versions, these tools should be able to help you to eliminate malware from the system. Once Princess Locker removal is completed, look at data recovery options provided below.
Fortunately, malware researchers managed to crack ransomware's code and created a free decryption tool. If you have been infected with updated or modified ransomware's version, probably you wouldn't be able to decrypt your files using this tool. In this case, check additional data recovery methods below.
Warning: Do not pay the ransom.
The decryptor offered by criminals is very expensive; however, there is no guarantee that it works. Besides, criminals can send you another malicious program together with the so-called decrypter. Instead, use a decryption program created by an experienced malware analyst. You can find instructions how to use it and its download link below.
Instructions on how to use this tool are provided below.
Use Princess Locker Decryptor
This decryptor consists of two programs - decryptor and keygen. Firstly, you will need to use the keygen to find out what is the decryption key. You need to have a copy of an original file (find it in your USB, email, CD, or DVD) and the same encrypted file.
You will also need to know your unique victim's ID number and the file extension that virus has appended to your files. You will need to enter the exact name of the encrypted file, then the name of the original file, added extension, and (optional) your unique victim's ID into the keygen.
If your antivirus has deleted the ransom note, and you do not know what your victim's ID is, just provide the file extension - the only problem is that this decryption method requires more time. Download the Princess Locker decryptor here. If you want to know how to use it properly, watch an informative video 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 Princess Locker ransomware virus 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 ransom notes called _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt in every folder.
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 Princess Locker ransomware virus
Should I pay the ransom in _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free Princess Locker ransomware virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Princess Locker ransomware virus no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Princess Locker ransomware virus decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
How did Princess Locker ransomware virus get on my computer?
The way Princess Locker ransomware virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened.
On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password. Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before ransom notes called _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt in every folder, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
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.
Did Princess Locker ransomware virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Princess Locker ransomware virus, but the only confirmed sign is ransom notes called _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt in every folder, 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 Princess Locker ransomware virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.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.
What kind of ransomware is Princess Locker ransomware virus?
From what victims report, ransom notes called _HOW_TO_FIX_RQZLIN.txt in every folder, it belongs to the ransomware type described on this page, but its family has not been identified. That is normal for the first days or weeks of a new name. The type is enough to choose the right first steps:
- isolate the PC
- keep the evidence
- scan offline
- then look for copies of your files
The family will matter later, when the question is whether a free tool can help. Use an identification service with the note and a damaged file, and check this page again for updates.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by Princess Locker?
You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that Princess Locker adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.
No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.
Will Fortect remove Princess Locker ransomware virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Princess Locker ransomware virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Virus Activity Blog: Newly discovered versions of Cerber virus attack unsuspecting users (read October 7, 2026)
- Malwarebytes Lab: RIG exploit kit distributes Princess ransomware (read October 7, 2026)
- 2-Spyware: Malware removal tools (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)