Uihj file virus: what it is and how to remove it
Uihj ransomware virus creators try to scare people into paying the demanded sum, so the ransom note file is placed on the desktop and in various folders with encoded files. The message from criminals offers a discount and free decryption for one test file, but this is never a good intention.
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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Uihj file virus: summary
| Distribution | Files attached to pirating packages of the licensed software or video games, cheatcodes |
|---|---|
| Name | Uihj file virus |
| Type | Ransomware, file-locker virus |
| Family | Djvu ransomware |
| Marker | .uihj |
| Contact information | admin@helpdata.top, supportsys@airmail.cc |
| 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 13 more facts
| Ransom amount | It starts at $490 and doubles to $980 after the first 72 hours |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | _readme.txt; the text of the note is not in our records |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .uihj |
| 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 and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .uihj |
| Attacker contacts | admin@helpdata.top |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 30 May 2022 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.uihj - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
admin@helpdata.top
From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Uihj file virus
- Threats can be removed with AV detection tools
- Running the app like can clear virus leftovers and damaged system files
How Uihj file virus behaves
From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since
Uihj ransomware is the infection asking for the payment of $490 in the first 72 hours because it doubles after that
Uihj ransomware virus creators try to scare people into paying the demanded sum, so the ransom note file is placed on the desktop and in various folders with encoded files.
The message from criminals offers a discount and free decryption for one test file, but this is never a good intention. Cybercriminals rely on these methods just to make people more gullible and eager to restore files, so the transfer of funds happens.
You need to note that all pieces that are unopenable and become locked, marked using .uihj appendix are encrypted, so the recovery requires additional tools or the software capable of deciphering the encryption process. There are no official tools that could serve such a purpose, so you are left with limited options.
The best tip from us would be to remove the Uihj file virus and use your data backups that are up-to-date. However, most of the users that suffer from such threats don't have proper updates and require additional help for file recovery.
The most important thing - paying gets you nowhere because criminals do not care about your belongings and once the amount of Bitcoin is sent to the wallet of those extortionists, your decryption keys needed for the recovery get deleted from the database of these cybercriminals.

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since
Details about the ransomware
Uihj ransomware virus locks the device and those file markers appear out of nowhere.
The threat can remain silent and infiltrate the machine when users rely on downloading cracked software and pirating other programs or videogames. The activation of this virus payload can significantly affect the performance, so you may see speed issues right before the encryption procedures get done and files are locked.
Uihj virus creators offer the discount and allegedly provide the test decryption, but it is rare that criminals behind the file-locker care about victims and provide such promises for real. It is more likely that criminals try to trick people into trusting them, so those ransom payments are transferred. Try to avoid these messages and contacting criminals.
The Uihj file virus ransom note
The note is called _readme.txt.
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove Uihj file 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 Uihj file 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 Uihj file 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 confirm the family
Your files now end in
.uihjand 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 Uihj file 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 Uihj file 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 Uihj file 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.
Restore Windows "hosts" file to its original state
Some ransomware might modify Windows hosts file in order to prevent users from accessing certain websites online. For example, Djvu ransomware variants add dozens of entries containing URLs of security-related websites, such as 2-spyware.com. Each of the entries means that users will not be able to access the listed web addresses and will receive an error instead.
Here's an example of "hosts" file entries that were injected by ransomware:

In order to restore your ability to access all websites without restrictions, you should either delete the file (Windows will automatically recreate it) or remove all the malware-created entries. If you have never touched the "hosts" file before, you should simply delete it by marking it and pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard. For that, navigate to the following location:
C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\

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.
Restore files using data recovery software
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost - data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it - use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download .
- Double-click the installer to launch it.

- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.

- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.

- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.

- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.

- You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.

Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since
1. Removal process of the file-locker
Uihj virus is a threat that cannot always act immediately after the infiltration.
It is possible that malware is infecting the machine and ensuring persistence before running the encryption algorithms and locking data on the machine. It is common for other threats like trojans to be vectors for the ransomware deployment, so you need to check the system properly.
These infections can run additional processes in the background, so the ransomware payload is triggered, and all the newly added files get encoded. You need to remove the Uihj ransomware virus to avoid a second round of encryption on the data you add to the machine from backups or external devices.
These infections are often hidden within the system, but powerful anti-malware tools can find the infection and remove the active virus automatically. Terminating the Uihj ransomware with or helps to stop various other malware processes on the machine. Make sure to choose a proper AV detection engine, however, to avoid shady installs.

From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since
2. Restoring system files that infection altered
Without triggering these file-locking procedures, Uihj ransomware can ensure that your machine is working poorly.
These infections often damage system files and disable programs and features to keep users from properly restoring data or removing the virus themselves.
You can experience speed and crashing issues once the ransomware is present, so a particular PC repair is required before you can move on with file recovery. Uihj file virus can turn off all the functions needed for the backups and system cleaning, so you need to restore the machine to the proper state to avoid the full-on crash and permanent loss of all the data.
Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is.
Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstallation is required.
Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system, thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually


From our report of May 2022 · not reviewed since
3. Trying the decryption tool
Uihj ransomware virus is one of the newer versions on this Djvu ransomware family virus list, and there are no particular decryption tools that could fully restore files for the victims. It is unfortunate, but the ransomware gets updated and more advanced with each weekly variant release.
These newest versions are using online IDs, so decryption options get more and more limited. Previously it was possible to use Emsisoft's decryptor for most of the variants, but the offline keys are no longer used interchangeably with online ones.
You can still expect some failure of connection that allows decrypting files. Check this possibility by ruing those Uihj file virus-affected files. The scan results show what is possible.
If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone - it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.
Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately.
Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files - one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
Threats like this cannot be found on the desktop or in any common folder, so the removal process of this Uihj ransomware virus is very difficult. Especially for the people that are not tech-savvy at all. Do not panic, however, try the tips we list here and rely on automatic AV removal tools like , and , so issues can be fixed. Do not forget that experts never recommend paying the criminals.
It is clear that file recovery is the most important thing for you at this point because this is the issue that bothers people and keeps them from their work or studies.
In most cases, there are no options for the locked data, so you need to back up your files more frequently. Uihj ransomware virus damage can still create issues, so get rid of them with before moving on to decryption alternatives.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up - click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
- "Decrypted!" will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully - they are now usable again.
- "Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:" means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- "This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible" - you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.


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 Uihj file virus together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .uihj 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 Uihj file virus
How do I open .uihj files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .uihj 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 Uihj file virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Uihj file 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 "Uihj file 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.
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 Uihj file virus get on my computer?
The way Uihj file 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 files that end in .uihj 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.
Did Uihj file virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Uihj file virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .uihj 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 Uihj file virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
My files got .uihj overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .uihj extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove Uihj file 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 Uihj file 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
- Wikipedia: Trojan (read October 7, 2026)
- VirusTotal: Virus detection (read October 7, 2026)
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
