Virus-encoder: what it is and how to remove it
Virus-encoder ransomware is a dangerous cyber-threat that focuses on locking data on the host computer and then demand ransom from its owner for the decryption tool. Initial release dates back to 2016, however, the malware recently made a comeback with the version, dubbed GetCrypt ransomware.
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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Virus-encoder: summary
| Name | Virus-encoder |
|---|---|
| Also known as | GetCrypt |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Infiltration | Rig exploit kit, |
| Cipher | AES, RSA, Salsa20 |
| Contact | helpme@freespeechmail.org, getcrypt@cocl.li, cryptget@tutanota.com |
| 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
| Ransom note | # DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt; the text is quoted in full below |
|---|---|
| File decryption | Make use of Emsisoft's decryptor |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| 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 |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 24 May 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of May 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Virus-encoder
- Use anti-malware software, such as
- To restore Windows system files, scan it with
How Virus-encoder behaves
From our report of May 2019 · not reviewed since
Virus-encoder ransomware is a relatively old data locking malware that recently came back with its newest version that attaches four random letters to files after the encryption
Virus-encoder ransomware is a dangerous cyber-threat that focuses on locking data on the host computer and then demand ransom from its owner for the decryption tool.
Initial release dates back to 2016, however, the malware recently made a comeback with the version, dubbed GetCrypt ransomware.
Just as all file-locking viruses, Virus-encoder ransomware uses a sophisticated file locking technology that uses ancryption algorithms. The original malware used AES + RSA ciphers, while the version resorts to RSA + Salsa20. Regardless of which encryption method is used, victims cannot access their pictures, music, videos, and other data anymore, which is marked by a random extension at the end of each file.
As explained by cybercriminals in a ransom note # DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt, users need to email them via helpme@freespeechmail.org, and, later via getcrypt@cocl.li/cryptget@tutanota.com to be able to retrieve the data with the unique decryption tool that is stored on a remote server and cost a specific amount of Bitcoins. However, experts suggest avoiding any contact with the criminals and rather focus on Virus-encoder ransomware removal.
There are a variety of methods Virus-encoder ransomware could get into your machine, including via spam emails, fake updates, unprotected RDP, software cracks, etc. Nevertheless, security researchers observed the latest samples of the virus being distributed via Rig exploit kit.
Once inside the system, Virus-encoder virus will show the following ransom note
Later versions of Virus-encoder ransomware drop a very similar note, although the contact emails are different. Regardless of what type of message you receive, you should not get in contact with cybercriminals as it can result in money loss.
Quite often, bad actors are simply not interested in sending the decryptor for the paid money and choose to ignore victims. In some cases, virus authors themselves are incapable of restoring the encoded data.
Therefore, it is best to ignore the criminals and remove Virus-encoder ransomware from your device entirely. For that, you need to employ reputable anti-malware software, because deleting the virus manually is practically impossible for a regular user. After that, experts recommend scanning the device with to fix broken Windows system files, such registry.
After you terminate the infection and fix Windows system, you can connect your backup device to restore your personal files. In case you did not have any prepared, there are alternative methods that you can try - such as third-party recovery tools. Additionally, if you are infected with the latest version of Virus-encoder ransomware, you can also try the official decryption tool that was recently released by Emsisoft security researchers.
The Virus-encoder ransom note
Attention! Your computer has been attacked by virus-encoder!
All your files are now encrypted using cryptographically strong algorithm.
Without the original key recovery is impossible.
To get the decoder and the original key, you need to email us at helpme@freespeechmail.org
Our assistance is not free, so expect to pay a reasonable price for our decrypting services. No exceptions will be made.
How to remove Virus-encoder
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 Virus-encoder 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 Virus-encoder 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 Virus-encoder, 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 Virus-encoder 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 Virus-encoder 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 May 2019 · not reviewed since
Ransomware-type virus propagation methods and how to avoid them
Virus-encoder can infiltrate your computer via several different ways.
For example:
- It can infect your computer if you tend to open unknown email letters from unknown senders AND especially if you download the attachments from such messages. It is the most common way of the virus-encoder distribution. Such emails are often sent to business people.
- If you tend to surf through unreliable websites, if you are browsing through a site that shows an enormous amount of ads, suggests to fill various surveys or offers to install free software, you should know that such web page is not worth your trust. Sometimes even one click can initiate execution of a malicious program.
- If you tend to install new programs on your computer carelessly, always check if the website that provides the download link is reliable. Also, when installing new programs, select the Advanced or Custom installation setting, and deselect every statement that suggests installing unfamiliar applications.
From our report of May 2019 · not reviewed since
Terminate Virus-encoder ransomware with the help of reputable security application
Virus-encoder ransomware removal should not be executed manually - cryptoviruses usually make significant changes to the Windows operating system, and restoring all the settings and fixing infected system files is not an easy task. Therefore, you should rather trust reputable security software that can do the job for you automatically.
If Virus-encoder virus is tampering with your security software, you should access a safe environment where the functionality of the threat will be disabled.
If you got infected with the latest variant of the malware, there is a good chance you can recover your files with the help of Emsisoft's decryption tool. If your System is infiltrated by the older version - you can try alternative solutions, such as recovery software.
[GI=method-1]If Virus-encoder ransomware is preventing your security software from running correctly, enter Safe Mode with Networking:
[GI=method-2]You can also use System Restore to terminate the virus:
This software might be able to recover at least some files that are locked by the ransomware.
Windows Previous Versions feature might be useful
This option is only viable if you had System Restore point enabled before the attack.
In some cases, ShadowExplorer might get all your files back
ShadowExplorer is very likely to restore all your files if the malware failed to delete Shadow Volume snapshots.
Make use of Emsisoft decryption tool
Download Emsisoft's decrypter and recover your files for free if you are affected by the latest version of Virus-encoder ransomware.
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 virus-encoder in the list of installed apps; 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.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
Questions about Virus-encoder
Is there a free Virus-encoder decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Virus-encoder 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 "Virus-encoder 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.
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 Virus-encoder get on my computer?
The way Virus-encoder 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 virus-encoder 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 Virus-encoder steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Virus-encoder, but the only confirmed sign is virus-encoder 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.
Is Virus-encoder the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I delete the ransom note?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. the ransom note contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by Virus-encoder?
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 Virus-encoder 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 Virus-encoder?
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 Virus-encoder, 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
- Avast: Ransomware attacks via RDP choke SMBs (read October 7, 2026)
- McAfee: Threat Landscape Dashboard RIG Exploit Kit (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)