Rote ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Rote ransomware is the cryptovirus that is designed to modify system files, add other programs and processes to keep the persistence of the main virus. The infection starts once the system is infected, and various background processes get launched during the same infiltration.
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.
Automatic
Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.
Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.
Before you restore backups, a full scan can confirm the program that added .rote is gone.
Do it yourself · free Remove Rote ransomware yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.
Start the steps
Rote ransomware: summary
| Distribution | Pirated software packages with license codes and serial numbers of legitimate software. Mainly users get infected when downloading video games, cheats and cracked Adobe products because these malicious files are hidden inside the installation setup |
|---|---|
| Name | Rote ransomware |
| Family | STOP virus |
| File appendix | .rote gets added at the end of every file encrypted by the threat to mark affected data from safe files |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt – a text file containing the next steps after a ransomware attack and contact information for criminals who developed the virus |
| Contact email | datarestorehelp@firemail.cc and datahelp@iran.ir |
| 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 12 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Encrypted file extension | .rote |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .rote |
| Attacker contacts | datarestorehelp@firemail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 25 November 2019 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.rote - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
datarestorehelp@firemail.cc
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Rote ransomware
- For the proper Rote ransomware removal results, you should go for professional anti-malware tools, so every file and program associated with the virus can get deleted
- Virus removal is not ensuring file recovery, the same goes for virus damage and system file repair.
- For system files that get corrupted or damaged, you can try that may find, indicate, and fix the damage.
- You will need file backups, data recovery software for encrypted data after that
The Rote 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-4NWUGZxdHc
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:
datarestorehelp@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datahelp@iran.ir
Your personal ID:
How to remove Rote 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 Rote 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 Rote 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
.roteand the instructions are in_readme.txt. 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 Rote ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Rote 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 Rote 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 Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Rote ransomware – a Djvu variant that supposedly modifies the Windows hosts file for preventing visitations to cybersecurity-related pages
Rote ransomware is the cryptovirus that is designed to modify system files, add other programs and processes to keep the persistence of the main virus.
The infection starts once the system is infected, and various background processes get launched during the same infiltration. Additionally, once the encryption algorithm is employed, all the additional scripts can be executed since you remain to focus on encrypted files. During this time, malware alters Windows hosts file to prevent you from finding solutions and information on cybersecurity sites like ours.
The initial purpose of the Rote ransomware virus is to lock your photos, videos, audio files, backups, and documents, so the ransom can be demanded.
Once your files become useless and .rote extension appears at the end of every one of them, _readme.txt delivers you the message from criminals, which is nothing but intimidating. However, paying shouldn't be considered because this is a family of Djvu ransomware that is not known for recovering victims' data.
Developers of this family are pretty busy instead because right now new versions come out at least once a week. Rote ransomware is not much altered from the previous versions like Zomb or Grod, Peet, and others released in the same month.
However, even though the ransom note file, ransom message itself, amount of the payment, and even email addresses are not changed, recent encryption changes make a huge difference for victims. There are almost no possibilities to decrypt files affected by these recent variants because the latest decryption tool is not supporting files encrypted using online keys that are mostly used by the developers right now.
It is extremely unfortunate, but Rote ransomware is not decryptable. This is the sad case for the last 40 versions in this family, because Emsisoft's tool works for the first 148 versions released before the August 25th of 2019, and only for some of the newer versions that include offline keys.
Researchers speculate that it is the question if any new versions or the Rote ransomware virus itself can be decrypted ever. Since the proper RSA encryption method got used, offline keys are no longer in use of the encryption process. Without them, file recovery id not possible because each victim gets a unique ID generated by the online server.
This why we talk about those online IDs all the time. Offline IDs that end in t1, most of the time, can be used for many victims of the same virus and recover data easily with the decryption tools like STOPDecrypter that is now not updateable or supported.
Nevertheless, the best solution for the encryption and cryptovirus attack is Rote ransomware removal. Because when you delete the virus as soon as you notice the malware attack, you can control the machine and when you react as quickly as possible there is little to no damage and you can recover your files immediately using backups or third-party software.
We can also recommend removing the threat after you store those malware-related files on the remote device and then wait for possible ways of decryption instead of system cleaning as your first step. But you need to remove Rote ransomware as soon as possible and use the proper anti-malware tool that can eliminate all the traces of this malware.
If you skip through such important steps, you can damage the machine further and lose your files by adding data on the still infected machine. Rote ransomware, as we mentioned, has many layers to the virus attack.
The encryption is the primary purpose of the threat, then it comes all the alterations in the OS itself (you can try to fix them by repairing crucial system files with ). After that, secondary payload dropper infects the machine with trojans, malware designed to steal data or damage the machine permanently.
You need to tackle all these changes, alterations, and virus damage before you recover files locked by the notorious Rote ransomware.
There is a solution offered by Rote ransomware developers themselves – paying the ransom that is nothing but questionable. Even the 50% discount shouldn't convince you because cybercriminals are nothing but criminals. For other versions in such a virus category, paying may be the solution, but even the bigger companies, when encountered the attack, are not willing to pay up.
_readme/.txt shows the following ransom note:
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Ransomware infections often come via software cracks
A significant percent of ransomware infections come within cracked software that is delivered on various p2p networks, including The Pirate Bay, eMule, and other torrenting websites.
Programs and tools should be downloaded only from trustable sources or directly from the official developer.
Continuously, some ransomware is also distributed via weak remote desktop protocol protection. If the RDP lacks a password or included and easy-guessable one, bad actors might misuse this vulnerability and use the RDP, e.g. TCP port 3389 to access a particular computer remotely.
Furthermore, email spam campaigns are also popular regarding malware distribution. Criminals are likely to pretend to be from reliable shipping companies such as FedEx and DHL. They camouflage as a reputable firm and tend to provide "shipping information" in the form of an attachment or hyperlink, which holds the malicious payload.
If you are always cautious during browsing sessions and while completing computing work, you slightly decrease the chances of getting infected with ransomware. However, also make sure that you employ reliable antivirus security that will protect your computer system and its components automatically.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
Protect your data from possible malware attacks
Ransomware viruses are the worst for their capability to lock up important data and documents on the infected computer system.
The good news is that you can avoid this type of risk by safely storing backups of your files.
Here you will need to purchase a portable USB flash drive and copy the information directly to it. However, remember not to keep the device plugged for long, especially, when you are not using it, as if a ransomware infection occurs during the connection process with the USB, the malware might be able to reach the files on the drive.
Other alternatives to safely data storing are using remote servers such as iCloud if you are an Apple user or using Dropbox if you are a Windows user. Also, you can keep your files on multiple devices or machines if you own that many.
Even if you fail to protect your data, do not rush to pay the cybercriminals as you will immediately regret this decision if the crooks decide to scam you. Contacting them can lead to silent info-stealing malware besides the file-locker Rote ransomware.
From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since
The removal technique for Rote ransomware virus
Rote ransomware removal is a process that needs to be handled with big care and attention.
This means that you will need to download reliable security software in order to succeed in the process. Also, you might have to repair some compromised system components with programs such as , , or .
After you remove Rote ransomware, you can continue with file restoring purposes. However, even if it is not 100% success, using such third-party software is a definitely better option than paying the cybercriminals.
According to cybersecurity experts from NoVirus.uk, , once you are uninstalling Rote ransomware virus, you need to make sure that all malicious content has been successfully removed from your Windows computer system, otherwise, the cyber threat might return within the next computer boot. Continuously, ensure that you delete the compromised Windows hosts file during the elimination process, or you still will be prevented from accessing security-related sources.
[GI=method-1]To disable malicious processes on your Windows computer system, employ these steps.
[GI=method-2]To prevent the ransomware from operating further, you should complete the below-provided guidelines.
Employ this software if the cyber threat has touched some of your files/documents.
Using Windows Previous Versions feature might allow you to recover some data:
Try out this method for unlocking some files if you have enabled the System Restore function in the past.
Shadow Explorer might help you with data recovery:
Try using this tool if the ransomware virus did not eliminate Shadow Volume Copies of all locked files.
Currently, the official decryptor for .rote files virus is not created yet.
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.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .rote and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
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 Rote ransomware
How do I open .rote files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .rote has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Is there a free Rote ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Rote 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 "Rote 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 Rote ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Rote ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .rote 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.
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 Rote ransomware get on my computer?
The way Rote 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 .rote 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 Rote 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.
Should I open _readme.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text _readme.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .rote attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .rote 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 Rote 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 Rote 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
- Wikipedia: RSA algoritihm (read October 6, 2026)
- Virustotal: malware detection rate (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)