Repl ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Repl ransomware is the latest strain of the Djvu and STOP ransomware family that keeps attacking Windows users since 2017. This cyber infection is dangerous for any OS versions, including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 , though the latter is by far the most frequently affected due to the end of Windows support.
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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Repl ransomware: summary
| Name | Repl |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware/crypto-malware |
| Family | Djvu/STOP |
| OS | Windows OS exceptionally |
| Appendix | .repl |
| Text note | _readme.txt |
| 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
| Price | $980 or $490 if the payment is transferred with 72 hours |
|---|---|
| Contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch; restoremanager@firemail.cc |
| REPL fILE DECRYPTION | The official decryption tool is not available, though users can use in-built Windows features or third-party software for data recovery. A full guide on how to recover the data is provided at the end of this article |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Encrypted file extension | .repl |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .repl |
| Attacker contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 13 July 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.repl - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
helpmanager@mail.ch
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Repl
- A full scan with a robust anti-virus program
- Removing the ransomware is not the end of the system's repair.
- Malicious software leaves its footprint within Windows Registry, startup processes, and system files.
- Damaging such components can lead to crashes eventually, so prevent this from happening with the help of
The Repl ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-BTtULebL7F
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.ch;
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@firemail.cc
Your personal ID
How to remove Repl 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 Repl 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
Repl encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Copy
_readme.txtand one or two files ending in.replto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
For Repl, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Repl still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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 Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
Repl is a ransomware-type virus that aims at locking people's files and collecting ransom payment for a decryptor
Repl ransomware is the latest strain of the Djvu and STOP ransomware family that keeps attacking Windows users since 2017.
This cyber infection is dangerous for any OS versions, including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 , though the latter is by far the most frequently affected due to the end of Windows support.
The virus is most actively spread via cracks and keygens on P2P sites and other sources where people can get pirated software unrestricted. Once the payload is launched, the Repl virus launches the payload and starts scanning the machine for files compatible with the AES cipher.
Consequently, personal files get a .repl file marker and a _readme.txt note inform about an expected $980 ransom payment. Crooks may try to pretend compassionate by offering a 50% discount ($480) if the user is in 72 hours' time of payment.
Repl virus is a cyber threat that is extremely unpleasant to discover on the system. It completely restricts access to the personal files and features the audacity to demand the payment in exchange for those personal photos, documents, databases, and videos. For this purpose, people should take precautionary measures and mind all security recommendations to avoid downloading such and similar infections.
Once the Repl ransomware lands on the target machine, it runs the AES cipher (or another) and uses a sophisticated mathematical structure to completely lock detected files. In addition, it starts placing malicious executables to ensure persistence and prevent removal.
Some malicious components of the Repl file virus can be detected within the Windows Task Manager. Typically, they manifest themself by misusing CPU power, which abnormally jumps to extreme hight. Additionally, the malware may also be programmed to perform the following functions:
As for the Repl removal, practically it's impossible to detect all the malicious entries that it is responsible for running. Therefore, to stop dangerous activities that it is performing behind your back, arm yourself with the most powerful anti-virus program, restart the machine into Safe Mode, and run a full system scan.
- run commands via Elevated Windows PowerShell to remove Shadow Copies;
- inject malicious scripts into the web browser and reroute the traffic to malware-laden sites to make people download malware like AzoRult;
- disable anti-virus programs. It can do it by compromising the settings on the Service Manager;
- the ransomware may inject suspicious registry keys, which may eventually trigger BSODs or other system errors. For this reason, experts recommend scanning the system with tool after Repl removal.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
Do not pay for the Repl decryptor
If the unsuspecting PC user runs a ransomware-infected file, the malicious script is activated and the wheel turns up.
First of all, the virus runs in the background to ensure a smooth launch of all malicious files. The most malicious processes of the Repl ransomware is the encryption algorithm. Typically, it uses the AES cipher, though no one knows when other algorithms can be used.
If the encryption is successfully launched, the ransomware drops a _readme.txt note, which contains such information:
The next obvious symptom indicating that the attack has been successfully initiated is the Repl files. All of the personal files will contain such extension leaving them completely inaccessible.
Locked personal files can be a miserable experience. However, paying the ransom to unlock Repl virus files is not recommended. Not only because the support for criminals stimulates them to proceed with cybercrimes. Not paying is recommended because this move does not ensure that you'll get a functional decryption software.
Instead of paying, remove Repl ransomware virus from the system using a professional anti-virus. Then copy the locked files to the cold storage, e.g. external hard drive or cloud.
Unfortunately, the official STOP/Djvu decryptor is not likely to work in this case. The Repl virus is using online IDs, meaning that all IDs a unique and the malware transmits them to criminals by contacting them via the C2 server. Besides, DO NOT download other free Djvu decryption tools circulating freely on the Internet, as you can download another ransomware and get your files re-encrypted.
Instead of relying on any offers regardless of their safety, make sure to remove Repl virus completely. The sooner you get rid of it, the less damage it initiates to the system.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
Intricate methods used to spread ransomware leave thousands as victims
Spam.
Spam messages and their malicious attachments top the charts of the malware distribution methods used by criminals. According to NoVirus.uk experts, people are still recklessly treating email messages that contain suspicious attachments or links. That's a problem, which then cost people nerves and money as they cannot access their own files right after downloading malicious ransomware.
Illegal software. As long as pirating exists, hackers will be sure that they have a medium to spread malware. Software cracks, keygens, games, and other software that is distributed in third-party sources, movie download sites, Torrenting sites, and domains like The Pirate Bay. They are frequently misused by hackers and the content, such as software updates, ads, links should be bypassed to keep the system safe.
Lack of a system's security. Millions of people are using outdated security software or not use it at all. The unprotected system is vulnerable to various cyber infections and a single click on script-infected commercial may end up with serious computer security issues.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
A full guide on ransomware removal and Repl file recovery options
Repl ransomware removal should be performed as soon as you notice your files renamed.
Any attempt to remove the file extension fails because the virus locks them using strong mathematical encryption, do the only way to recover them is to use a unique key.
Keep in mind that the Repl removal process can be done only by leaning on a reputable anti-virus program. Before launching a scan, make sure that it's fully up-to-date because outdated virus definitions may be the culprit why your AV program fails to do the job.
If the software is blocked by the virus and you cannot launch it no matter how hard you try, make an attempt to launch it while in Safe Mode or enable System Restore as explained below.
[GI=method-1]Repl virus removal can be denied if the virus blocks the process of AV tools within the Command Prompt. To run a scan, boot Windows into Safe Mode.
[GI=method-2]Safe Mode did not work? Although that's a rare case, it may happen for unknown reasons. Thus, you should try to enable a System Restore point that has been created before the ransomware attacked it.
Appearance of .Repl extension indicates a dangerous infection that is lurking on your machine. Try the below-given data recovery steps as they might help you to restore some of your encrypted files.
Enable Windows Previous Versions feature and recover some files
If you've been taking advantage of the System Restore feature before, then try to recover stand-alone files by exploiting their previous versions.
There is not Repl decryption software
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 Repl 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 .repl 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 Repl ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .repl files?
That depends on the family behind the .repl 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 .repl files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .repl ending shows that Repl 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 Repl. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Did Repl steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Repl, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .repl 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 Repl get on my computer?
The way Repl 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 .repl 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 Repl 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 delete _readme.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. _readme.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .repl attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .repl stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Repl?
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 Repl, 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
- ZDNet: Windows 7 end of life: Security risks and what you should do next (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)