ScreenLocker virus: what it is and how to remove it
ScreenLocker virus is a malicious software, which is better known as ransomware. It differs from the widely-known ransomware variants such as Locky or Cerber, because unlike these viruses, it doesn't encrypt files, but locks your screen and prevents you from performing even the simplest tasks.
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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ScreenLocker virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | Not named in our report; the text of the note is not in our records |
| 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 | ScreenLocker virus |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 15 December 2016 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
From our report of Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on ScreenLocker virus
- To get the key, complete a survey by clicking HERE.
How ScreenLocker virus behaves
From our report of Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
ScreenLocker - what kind of computer infection it is, and what should you know about it?
ScreenLocker virus is a malicious software, which is better known as ransomware.
It differs from the widely-known ransomware variants such as Locky or Cerber, because unlike these viruses, it doesn't encrypt files, but locks your screen and prevents you from performing even the simplest tasks. ScreenLocker-type ransomware viruses are not that popular because more advanced computer users can get rid of them quite easily. Screen-locking attacks are much different.
Once such virus breaks into the target system, it blocks the executable system files and thus prevents users from accessing essential settings and folders (for instance, Windows Registry or, in some cases, Task Manager). As a recent research has shown, users whose computers have been attacked by the ScreenLocker ransomware have to delete the value that is named as "RealtekSoftware". Its default location is HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. However, there is one problem.
ScreenLocker virus locks the screen and does not allow users to initiate any tasks, so there is no chance to reach aforementioned location without unlocking the screen. Although this ransomware does provide with the instructions what should be done in order to unlock the screen, surprisingly there is not a clue about any payments. The alert by ScreenLocker usually looks like this (either in English or in Spanish):
As you can see, this ransomware accuses computer users of storing illegal software, which is quite serious. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter whether you have downloaded illegal programs or not, you should not trust ScreenLocker ransomware and never participate in any surveys that it requests you to because it may be an attempt to distribute other malware on your computer's system.
Locked screen is a serious warning that you PC's system is infected by a malware, so the best solution is to take immediate actions and remove it ASAP. For that, our recommendation would be .
From our report of Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
ScreenLocker as a type of ransomware
As you can see, this article describes a program that is recognized by the name "ScreenLocker."
However, this term can be used to describe a big group of ransomware viruses that lock the screen by displaying a full-screen window or preventing the victim from logging into Windows account . However, just like typical ransomware threat, it wants something from the user.
The majority of ransomware viruses demand money, others ask to fill out surveys, and finally others are meant to convince the victim to call technical support scammers. Over time, we have seen these different types evolving, and we are sure that eventually we will encounter more ransomware types. For now, we would like to introduce some examples of screen-locking ransomware viruses.
From our report of Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
Examples of screen-locking viruses
MagicMinecraft Screenlocker ransomware virus.
This virus blocks access to the computer by displaying a lock screen that says "Every time you Enter a false Password a ransom Windows file gets Deleted!" What is interesting is that this ransomware doesn't leave any ransom notes or instructions on how to recover access to the computer.
It seems that the virus has been developed by a script kiddo or simply an amateur and low-level programmer who didn't know how to configure program's functions properly. Luckily, it is an advantage - malware researchers shortly cracked the virus and revealed the right password that removes the lock screen.
The password is 62861094725560. Victims are advised to scan the system with anti-malware software to remove MagicMinecraft virus entirely, as well as check the system for other potentially unwanted or harmful programs and get rid of them.
VinCE tech support screen locker virus. At the end of 2016, we have encountered a whole new wave of ransomware viruses that appear to be associated with tech support scammers. VinCE locker, which is named after a folder it creates on the compromised system, is a fraudulent program that is built in MSIL, and its main executable is SBSCP.exe.
Once run, this executable launches a blue screen that says: "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We are just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you." The virus is programmed to show a percentage completion value, which typically pauses at a random number between 25 and 50.
The ScreenLocker also says that the user may call 1-888-523-2979 for more information about the issue identified as CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED. The VinCE virus is also made to prevent the user from shutting the screen or computer down, but apparently, a simple trick can close this screen. To shut down the VinCE ScreenLocker, one simply needs to push down F6 key. Of course, the system must be scanned with anti-malware software afterward.
SurveyLocker ransomware virus. This virus is a ransomware that doesn't actually ask to pay a ransom. It doesn't encrypt files, but it blocks access to the computer and displays an annoying message that says Locked! Surprisingly, the virus wants the victim to answer some questions of a survey that it provides.
However, victims are not obliged to answer no surveys, especially because it is extremely easy to get rid of the lockscreen. Victims simply need to enter hurr durr in the password box and hit Unlock PC.
From our report of Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
Methods used to distribute ScreenLocker virus
There is a handful of ransomware that employ illegal methods of distribution and may infect computers without being noticed.
ScreenLocker is one of them. Security experts state that it may be carried by various Trojans that can be executed right after clicking on the infected links or fake software updates . However, the most successful ransomware distribution method is still considered to be spam filled with infected attachments or malicious links.
Usually, such email messages report about serious things that catch users attention, for instance, missing payments, warnings from various authorities, taxes, and so on. Therefore, if you want to stay safe and want to maintain immunity of your private data, NEVER trust questionable emails, avoid visiting illegal websites, downloading suspicious updates or checking your PC online. Otherwise, ScreenLocker virus or any other infection may slither onto your machine.
The ScreenLocker virus ransom note
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove ScreenLocker 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 ScreenLocker 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 ScreenLocker 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 ScreenLocker 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 ScreenLocker 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 ScreenLocker 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 Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
Uninstall ScreenLocker ransomware
Fortunately, ScreenLocker virus does not encrypt private data and does not require paying the money for unlocking the screen.
However, since it may try to spread other malware or you may execute file stealing ransomware one day, our piece of advice would be to backup files regularly.
Use alternative file storage, such as USB external hard drives, CDs, DVDs, or any of cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) . If you need more information on that read the following: Why do I need backup and what options do I have for that?
Speaking about ScreenLocker virus removal, it's important to note that it is not advisable to try to remove it from the system manually. This way other more serious system issues may be caused leading to serious damage. Therefore, if you are a victim of this ransomware, you should rely on a reputable anti-malware, for example, , or and let them remove ScreenLocker automatically.
[GI=method-1]Before you run your anti-malware software to delete the virus, reboot your PC using instructions presented 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.
Make the next attack harmless
ScreenLocker virus could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (screenLocker virus in the list of installed apps) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for 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 ScreenLocker virus
Is there a free ScreenLocker virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for ScreenLocker 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 "ScreenLocker 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.
Did ScreenLocker virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by ScreenLocker virus, but the only confirmed sign is screenLocker virus in the list of installed apps, 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 ScreenLocker virus get on my computer?
The way ScreenLocker 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 screenLocker virus in the list of installed apps, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is ScreenLocker 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.
Is my external drive or NAS affected too?
If it was connected while ScreenLocker virus ran, probably yes. Ransomware treats a plugged-in USB disk, a mapped network drive or a NAS share like any other folder. Unplug external drives now and look at them on a clean computer: if files there have the same new ending, they were encrypted too.
A NAS with snapshots enabled can often be rolled back to a point before the attack from its own admin panel. Drives that were disconnected during the attack are your best recovery source, so keep them unplugged until the PC is clean.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by ScreenLocker?
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 ScreenLocker 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 ScreenLocker 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 ScreenLocker 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
- 2-Spyware: Locky virus. How to Remove? (Uninstall Guide) (read October 7, 2026)
- CNET: Beware of fake Java updates (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)