UltraDeCrypter ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
In June 2016, the cyber security experts have found that CryptXXX virus has changed the user interface (UI) design on its payment site as well as renamed its decryptor to UltraDeCrypter . After a thorough investigation, the specialists have confirmed that actors behind CryptXXX ransomware project are the same ones who are responsible for UltraCrypter ransomware attacks.
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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UltraDeCrypter ransomware: 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 | UltraDeCrypter |
| 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 | 22 December 2016 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
The UltraDeCrypter ransomware note
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove UltraDeCrypter 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 UltraDeCrypter 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 UltraDeCrypter 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 UltraDeCrypter, 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 UltraDeCrypter 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 UltraDeCrypter 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
UltraDeCrypter - the tool that no one needs since free CryptXXX decryption tools were released
In June 2016, the cyber security experts have found that CryptXXX virus has changed the user interface (UI) design on its payment site as well as renamed its decryptor to UltraDeCrypter . After a thorough investigation, the specialists have confirmed that actors behind CryptXXX ransomware project are the same ones who are responsible for UltraCrypter ransomware attacks.
Apart from a different name, the viruses are entirely identical. They both spread through Angler Exploit Kit, which searches the system for vulnerabilities and uses them to stealthily install the malicious software on the victim's computer. Once on the system, the virus starts encrypting containing files using an RSA-4096 algorithm .
During the encryption, public and private keys are created, first for locking the files and the second, for decrypting them. Unfortunately, the cyber criminals have the private key under their control and demand the victims to pay around 1.2 BitCoin ($567.6 USD) if they want to be able to access their files again.
It is not advisable to make any transactions to the accounts of the cyber criminals because that is exactly what they are waiting for. By paying up, you will only encourage the crooks to become even more greedy and continue creating malicious software. Therefore, the security professionals recommend the infected computer users to remove UltraCrypter as soon as possible.
It is understandable that data recovery after the UltraCrypter attack will be the biggest priority among the virus victims. Unfortunately, there is little chance to restore the system to its original state.
The criminals will encourage you to purchase the UltraDeCrypter tool, which will supposedly solve all of your problems, but as we already mentioned, it is not safe to collaborate with the criminals on any level. In such a case it is beneficial to have backup copies of your files, but if you do not have such, just use CryptXXX decrypter .
This utility helps to recover all of the files. You must remember that before making any recovery steps, you should take care of the full UltraCrypter removal. Otherwise, your decrypted files may soon be locked again. You should use only the reliable anti-malware tools, such as for this purpose.
Updated on December 23, 2016. CryptXXX ransomware seems to be booming at the moment, or at least its developers are very obstinate and refuse to give up in a fight with reverse-malware engineers. Malware researchers are a step forward comparing to CryptXXX virus' authors because they managed to build even three decryption tools for the first, second, and third CryptXXX version.
Surprisingly, authors of this malicious virus feel desperate and seek to collect at least a few ransoms, and recently they crafted a pop-up message to appear in all payment websites, suggesting a Christmas discount and a new price for UltraDeCrypter - 0.5 Bitcoin instead of the previous price of 1.2 Bitcoin. However, at the moment victims can recover corrupted files for free using RannohDecryptor.
From our report of Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
Prevent ransomware attacks
The best way to avoid paying for your own files is to equip your computer with a reliable antivirus software, which would warn you about dangerous sites or downloads through which you may have your computer infected.
However, security specialists suggest that one layer of protection is never enough . Additionally, you should obtain a powerful firewall and keep an eye on the newest system updates to make sure your system fits the newest security standards.
You should also store additional copies of your files on some external storage. This way, in a case of ransomware attack, you will not have to worry about losing your files and safely proceed with the virus removal. Just make sure you choose a reliable software for the job.
From our report of Dec 2016 · not reviewed since
Remove UltraDecrypter if you obtained it
UltraDeCrypter removal will not help you to fix your computer as it is not a virus itself.
You will have to remove the virus to which it is related first. CryptXXX and Ultra Crypter are the same virus and so they offer the same decrypter, so only a reliable anti-malware software will be able to identify which of these viruses have infected your computer. Virus removal utility will also find all the malicious virus components on your computer and terminate them immediately.
However, if, for some reason, you will notice that the antivirus is unable to initiate, or the scan fails, it might be that the virus is blocking the process. If such situation occurs, do not get flustered, disconnect your computer and look up CryptXXX and UltraCrypter viruses on our site. Follow the instructions provided at the end of the virus descriptions closely and then run a scan again.
It is an optional tool in case the RannohDecryptor fails to recover your files.
Decrypt files using RannohDecryptor
Malware researchers have developed a special update for RannohDecryptor, and now this tool is capable of restoring files affected by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd CryptXXX (or UltraCrypter) versions. You can download RannohDecryptor here.
You will need to show this tool a path to one encrypted and the same unencrypted file version. You can get an unencrypted file version from USB, email, or any other place that you have sent/transferred the certain file in the past.
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 UltraDeCrypter 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 ultraDeCrypter in the list of installed apps.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Questions about UltraDeCrypter ransomware
Is there a free UltraDeCrypter decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for UltraDeCrypter 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 "UltraDeCrypter 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.
How did UltraDeCrypter get on my computer?
The way UltraDeCrypter 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 ultraDeCrypter 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.
Did UltraDeCrypter steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by UltraDeCrypter, but the only confirmed sign is ultraDeCrypter 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.
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.
Is UltraDeCrypter 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.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by UltraDeCrypter?
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 UltraDeCrypter 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.
What is UltraDeCrypter ransomware?
In June 2016, the cyber security experts have found that CryptXXX virus has changed the user interface (UI) design on its payment site as well as renamed its decryptor to UltraDeCrypter . After a thorough investigation, the specialists have confirmed that actors behind CryptXXX ransomware project are the same ones who are responsible for UltraCrypter ransomware attacks.
The summary table at the top of this guide lists the type, the detection names, the symptoms and the damage of UltraDeCrypter. Reading it first helps you decide whether your computer shows the same signs.
Will Fortect remove UltraDeCrypter?
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 UltraDeCrypter, 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
- Threatpost: CryptXXX Ransomware Updates Ransom Note, Payment Site (read October 7, 2026)
- Graham Cluley: CryptXXX ransomware steals bitcoins and data from infected PCs (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: RSA (cryptosystem) (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)