Pxj ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Pxj ransomware is a malicious program designed to lock all pictures, videos, music, documents databases and other personal files on the infected computer. For that, the malware uses a combination of sophisticated encryption algorithms AES + RSA, and also appends .pxj extension to each of the files, restricting access to them.
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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Pxj ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Spam email attachments and hyperlinks, software cracks/pirated program installers, fake updates, exploits, etc. |
|---|---|
| Name | Pxj ransomware |
| Type | File locking virus, crypto-malware |
| Encryption method | Malware uses RSA + AES ciphers to lock pictures, music, videos, documents and other personal files |
| File extension | A marker .pxj is appended to every non-system and non-executable file |
| Main executable | sav.exe |
| 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 15 more facts
| Ransom note | Ransom note LOOK.txt is dropped into most of the folders, as well as desktop; the text is quoted in full below |
|---|---|
| Contact | Malicious actors ask uses to contact them via xvfxgw3929@protonmail.com or xvfxgw213@decoymail.com email |
| File recovery | The only secure way to recover encrypted data is by using backups; without them, only hackers behind ransomware have the key that can unlock files, although this method is not recommended. We highly suggest you try alternative data recovery methods listed below |
| Malware removal | To get rid of ransomware, you need to scan your machine with anti-malware software. In some cases, accessing Safe Mode is required – check the instructions below |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .pxj |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension, a Windows Security "Threats found" notification and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .pxj |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 4 March 2020 |
| Microsoft Defender name | Trojan:Win32/Genasom!MSR |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What antivirus programs call Pxj ransomware
Microsoft Defender reports Pxj ransomware as Trojan:Win32/Genasom!MSR.
In a Defender name, the part before the colon is the category, the part after it is the platform, and the part after the slash is the family Microsoft assigned. A suffix after ! is an internal Microsoft marker, not a different threat.
Generic labels such as Agent, GenericKD or Malware.AI only say that a file looks malicious, not what it does; our guide to antivirus detection names shows how to read them.
- File extension:
.pxj - Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Pxj ransomware
- Malware can corrupt certain system files during the infection process.
The Pxj ransomware note
Hello.
All your files like photos, databases, videos, documents and other importants are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
Guarantee:
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only one for free. File must not contain valuable information.
If you do not contact us within 3 days, the price will double every day.
And if you do not get in touch for a week, your files will be lost forever.
Our mail address:
xvfxgw3929@protonmail.com
Reserved mail address:
xvfxgw213@decoymail.com
How to remove Pxj 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 Pxj 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 Pxj ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.pxjand the instructions are inthe ransom note. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Pxj ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Pxj 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 Pxj 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 Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
Pxj ransomware is crypto-malware that threatens to delete decryption key if victims will not pay a ransom within a week
Pxj ransomware is a malicious program designed to lock all pictures, videos, music, documents databases and other personal files on the infected computer.
For that, the malware uses a combination of sophisticated encryption algorithms AES + RSA, and also appends .pxj extension to each of the files, restricting access to them. For example, a file "picture.jpg" is turned into a "picture.jpg.pxj," and the original file type icon dispersal, leaving a blank one instead.
Upon infiltration, Pxj virus also drops a ransom note LOOK.txt - it serves as a message designed to inform users about the infection, and what they have to do next. According to cybercriminals, victims need contact hackers via xvfxgw3929@protonmail.com or xvfxgw213@decoymail.com emails, and then purchase decyption tool from them.
However, we suggest not to try fulfilling threat actors' demands, despite that they are threatening to permanently remove Pxj ransomware decryption tool from their servers after seven days - there may be other methods that could help you with data recovery.
Discovered by a security researcher that uses pseudonym dnwls0719 at the end of February 2020, Pxj ransomware does not seem to have any connections to other ransomware strains. Its analysis on Virus Total shows that multiple AV engines detect the threat as follows:
As evident, most of the AVs detect the executable as a generic malicious file, meaning that it was not present in malware databases (heuristic detection). Because of this, it is not exactly clear how Pxj ransomware virus propagates, but it is highly likely that malicious actors implement a variety of attack vectors, including spam emails, web injects, software cracks, exploits/vulnerabilities, etc.
Once executed, the Pxj ransomware creates multiple new folders in User, Temp, and Desktop folders, and performs the necessary system changes that are needed to ensure a successful data encryption process and malware operation. For example, it deletes Shadow Volume Copies by using "vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet" command to prevent a quick file recovery using automatic Windows backups.
Once the preparations are complete, Pxj ransomware encrypts the most commonly used file types in order to maximize the damage caused to the victim. After the encryption, users can see the following ransom note "LOOK.txt" which is opened automatically:
While we stand by the statement that paying the ransom to cybercriminals might be a huge mistake, it is also true that deciphering encrypted files requires a unique key that they store on a remote server.
In other words, only Pxj ransomware developers have the key that can unlock data on your device. Nevertheless, some alternative methods are worth checking out - we provide all the details below, although keep in mind that there is no guarantee that they will be effective when trying to decrypt Pxj ransomware-locked files.
Nevertheless, before you attempt that, you should make a copy of all your important files that were encrypted, as any type of modifications may permanently damage them, and then even a working Pxj ransomware decryption tool will not be able to recover the data.
After you copy files, it is equally as important to perform comprehensive Pxj ransomware removal by using a reputable anti-malware tool. Many people get confused when they deal with a ransomware infection, and wrongly believe that its removal will restore encrypted files.
It is not possible, as security software is not designed for such purposes. What is possible, however, is rebuilding the Windows operating system and ensuring its stability - we advise using for that.
- Ransom.FileCryptor
- Trojan:Win32/Genasom!MSR
- Trojan.Ransom.Genasom
- Trojan.GenericKD.33369615
- Win32:Malware-gen
- A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OAU
- Trojan.Win32.Encoder.hcnyni, etc.
From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
Ransomware intrusion prevention methods
Malicious actors behind ransomware chose this malware type because it is extremely lucrative, and while not all the victims pay ransoms, those that do are enough to make it worthwhile.
Many developers/distributors also employ ransomware-as-a-service scheme to make the malware more prevalent or go "big game hunting" - attack high profile corporations, businesses, and cities to extort a large sum of money from one attack.
Unfortunately, security researchers have also observed a particularly alarming trend among ransomware developers - they threaten to publish the information they collected during the attack. As a result, ransomware can not only leave victims without file access but also compromise their personal safety by selling the data on the underground hacking forums.
Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that ransomware does not enter the computer and/or its connected networks in the first place - precautionary measures should be used for that. As a home user, you should apply the following practices to reduce the infection risk to a minimum:
Additionally, by regularly backing your most important files, you can negate the impact of ransomware infection substantially.
- Install comprehensive security software with real-time protection feature;
- Update your operating system and the installed applications as soon as security patches are released;
- Protect all your accounts with alphanumeric passwords and never reuse them;
- Do not open spam email attachments that ask you to enable macro function;
- Never download software cracks/keygens or pirated program installers.
From our report of Mar 2020 · not reviewed since
Remove Pxj ransomware and only then attempt file recovery
For those who are facing the Pxj virus for the first time (or any ransomware), the cause of actions could be confusing, as many questions arise.
For example, "should I pay for the decryption tool?" or "can I recover my files for free?". As previously mentioned, paying cybercriminals is not a good idea, and should only be applied if absolutely necessary - it can result in monetary loss. First, we suggest you make copies of encrypted files, remove Pxj ransomware, and the try alternative recovery methods listed below.
For Pxj ransomware removal, you should employ powerful anti-malware software that could delete all the malicious files on your system. Note that some ransomware viruses self-delete after encrypting files, so there is nothing to eliminate afterwards. Nevertheless, we highly suggest scanning the machine with multiple AVs to ensure that malware is gone.
[GI=method-1]In case Pxj ransomware is tampering with your security software, you should access Safe Mode with Networking and perform the scan from there:
[GI=method-2]System Restore might be successful when trying to eliminate the infection as well:
Make use of Windows Previous Version feature
This method can only be applied if you have an active System Restore point prepared, although this can sometimes also be eliminated by ransomware.
In some cases, ShadowExplorer might be able to recover all .Pxj files
If Shadow Volume Copies were not deleted by the virus, you can use ShadowExplorer to recover your files.
No decryption tool is currently available
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 Pxj 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 .pxj 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 Pxj ransomware
Are ransomware recovery services legitimate?
Some are, but read the offer carefully. Genuine data-recovery firms recover deleted originals from disks or rebuild damaged files, and they say so. Others promise to "decrypt any ransomware" for a fixed price, which is impossible without the key; they quietly pay the attackers and keep a margin, sometimes without telling the victim.
Be especially careful with services that contact you after you post about the attack online. Ask for references, a written method and a no-result-no-fee clause, and check the free tools on No More Ransom first.
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.
How did Pxj ransomware get on my computer?
The way Pxj 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 .pxj 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.
How do I open .pxj files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .pxj ending shows that Pxj 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 Pxj ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Is there a free Pxj ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Pxj 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 "Pxj 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.
Did Pxj ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Pxj ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .pxj 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 Pxj 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 .pxj from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .pxj extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
What does the name Trojan:Win32/Genasom!MSR tell me?
Microsoft builds names in a fixed order:
- category
- then platform
- then family
- sometimes followed by a variant letter
- a suffix
The category is the most useful part for you. Trojan, Backdoor and PWS mean real malware that can download more, give remote access or steal passwords. PUA means unwanted software.
Ransom means ransomware. Suffixes such as !ml or !MTB mean the detection came from machine learning or behaviour analysis. Search for the family part of Trojan:Win32/Genasom!MSR together with the word Microsoft to find its entry in Microsoft's security encyclopedia.
Will Fortect remove Pxj 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 Pxj 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
- Virus Total: sav.exe (read October 7, 2026)
- Forcepoint: What is Heuristic Analysis? (read October 7, 2026)
- KrebsonSecurity: Ransomware Gangs Now Outing Victim Businesses That Don't Pay Up (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)