Void ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Void is a dangerous ransomware virus that has been detected at the beginning of April 2020. The name of the ransomware suggests that it may stem from the also known file-encrypting ransomware VoidCryp.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Void ransomware: summary
| Title | Void |
|---|---|
| Type | Cryptomalware, file locking virus |
| Family | Currently not specified |
| Versions | Spade, Lalaland, Konx, Shiton, Decme, Hmmmmm, Legend |
| Related files | stevenxx134@gmail.com.exe |
| Extension | [ID].void file extension is appended to all non-system files |
| 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 17 more facts
| Ransom note | Decryption-Info.HTA, IDo.txt or pubkey.txt |
|---|---|
| Contact email | xtredboy@protonmail.com or encryptedxtredboy@protonmail.com |
| Encryption | Combination of AES and RSA-2048 |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .void |
| 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 |
| Name | Void ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension, a ransom note left in folders and a Windows Security "Threats found" notification |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .void |
| Attacker contacts | xtredboy@protonmail.com |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 14 April 2020 |
| Microsoft Defender name | Ransom:Win32/Ouroboros.d16a998c |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Which name will your scanner show?
Microsoft's name for Void ransomware is Ransom:Win32/Ouroboros.d16a998c.
Defender sorts threats by category first, so the word before the colon tells you what kind of program was found, even if the family name means nothing to you.
Do not search for a removal tool by the detection name alone; fake "removal tools" use the same keywords. How the naming works is explained in our guide to antivirus detection names.
- File extension:
.void - Note file:
Decryption-Info.HTA - Contact:
xtredboy@protonmail.com
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Void ransomware
- The official Void descriptor is not available.
- The ransomware locks files using a combination of difficult-to-crack ciphers, which is why it may be difficult to get files back without paying the ransom.
- In most of the cases, ransomware viruses seriously damage Windows files and may lead to abnormal OS performance (prolonged boot process, crashes, errors, BSOD, etc.).
- If you encounter any of these problems or if you want to prevent them in the future, you should repair the system with utility.
How Void ransomware behaves
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
Void ransomware is a malicious cyber infection that uses a combination of encryption algorithms to render files on a host machine useless
Void is a dangerous ransomware virus that has been detected at the beginning of April 2020.
The name of the ransomware suggests that it may stem from the also known file-encrypting ransomware VoidCryp. However, the ransomware is still under investigation and shows some relations with Ouroborus. The two share some malicious files, which is why AV engines tend to recognize it as Ransom:Win32/Ouroboros.d16a998c and Trojan /Win32.Odveta.gen .
The current Void version is known for attaching .void file extension to most of the files, which are encrypted using a combination of AES and RSA-2048 ciphers. Aside from .void extension, locked files also contain a related email address, most frequently xtredboy@protonmail.com or encryptedxtredboy@protonmail.com.
The distribution of the Void ransomware virus complies with the typical ransomware distribution methods. Usually, ransomware payload is launched via unprotected insecure RDP configurations, spam email attachments, botnets, fake software updates or infected installers. However, the most frequently exploited distribution technique remains spam email attachments. Upon infiltration, Void malware initiates multiple system's changes withing the following system's folders:
%SystemDrive%\ (C:\) %SystemRoot% (C:\Windows, %WinDir%) %UserProfile% %UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\ %AllUserProfile% %AppData% %AppData%\Local\Temp\ %LocalAppData% %ProgramData% %Temp% (C:\Windows, %UserProfile%\%AppData%\Local)
According to researchers, one of the main executables that Void runs is stevenxx134@gmail.com.exe. The file starts running in the background and can hardly be disabled manually. Once the background processes are implemented, the ransomware manifests its presence by corrupting all files kept on the host machine.
Each affected file is marked by .void suffix. Besides, each folder that contains encrypted files contains a ransom note in the form of a Decryption-Info.HTA, IDo.txt or pubkey.txt. The ransom note contains the following information:
Unfortunately, Void decryption software is not yet available. Security experts revealed that the malware exploits AES + RSA-2048 ciphers that blend diverse coding methods and render files on the victim's PC's permanently locked without a specific descriptor.
Currently, the only way to get files encrypted by Void ransomware is to pay the ransom. Paying the ransom is not an easy task for less IT-savvy people because they have to create a Bitcoin wallet and purchase Bitcoins at first.
As evident that actors behind Void virus own a personal decryption key, criminals offer a free decryption test. For this purpose, the victim has to send 1MB file within 48 hours to xtredboy@protonmail.com or Encryptedxtredboy@protonmail.com email address and indicate the ID number which is provided on the ransom note.
However, we do not recommend supporting criminals for their illegal activities. Even though they are trying to scare their victims into believing that their files will be permanently removed if they try alternative data recovery tools or attempt to remove Void ransomware with an antivirus, such claims do not have a clear ground.
It is not clear yet what the cost of the Void decryption key is. However, based on the analysis of ransomware viruses it is presumed that the cost may vary from $300 to $2000 in Bitcoin .
Those unwilling to have deals with criminals are recommended to boot the system into Safe Mode with Networking and make a copy of locked files. After that, run a full system check with , or another reliable AV engine and remove Void ransomware permanently.
It's important to note that ransomware-related files may be hidden in folders like %AppData%, which by default are hidden by the operating system. Therefore, before checking the system for the virus you may need to configure Windows to show hidden files & folders.
Tip: it is advisable to initiate a full system repair right after Void removal. As we have already pointed out, ransomware is extremely malicious in general since it is capable of compromising multiple settings and files on a host machine. A scan with an AV engine can hardly restore these changes.
The Void ransomware note
Your Files has Been Encrypted
Your Files Has Been Encrypted with AES + RSA Algorithm
If You Need Your Files You Have To Pay Decryption Price
You can Send Some Little Files Less Than 1MB for Test (The Test Files Should not Contain valuable Data Like Databases Large Excel Sheets or Backups
After 48 Hour Decryption Price Will be Doubled so You Better Contact us Before Times Up
Using Recovery Tools or 3rd Party Application May cause Damage To Your Files And increase price
The Steps You Should Do To Get Your Files Back:
1- Contact Email on Files And Send ID on The Files Then Do agreement on a Price
2- Send Some Files for Decryption Test ( Dont Pay to Anyone Else who is Not Able to Decrypt Your Test Files!)
After Geting Test Files Pay The price in Bitcoin And Get Decryption Tool + RSA key
Your Case ID :EJHPFWKYCNQ5***
Our Email : xtredboy@protonmail.com
In Case Of No Answer : Encryptedxtredboy@protonmail.com
How to remove Void 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 Void ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Void ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.voidand the instructions are inDecryption-Info.HTA. 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 Void ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Void ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Void ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
Sort emails carefully and avoid pirated software to prevent files from encryption
According to researchers who are dedicated to cybersecurity issues like ransomware attacks, the straightest way to launch ransomware payload is to open malicious email attachments or leave RDP connections unprotected,
Although there are many other means to attack PCs, fake software downloads, software cracks, and similar methods do not work as efficiently as, for example, well-prepared spam emails work. Criminals exploit botnets to distribute phishing emails to a huge number of email addresses.
Malicious spam emails typically contain a hyperlink or an attachment, which is either leads to a website that impersonates reliable vendors (bank, Microsoft, PayPal, DHL, etc.) or asks to open a shared document, which is of high importance. Opening the attachment or clicking on the provided link leads to the execution of ransomware payload and immediate encryption of files.
Remote Desktop sessions is yet another widely exploited medium for ransomware dissemination. This technique most successfully works when attacking businesses and organizations. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is an encrypted channel used to prevent third parties from viewing the sessions.
Unfortunately, RDP has multiple vulnerabilities, which gives a fairground for man-in-the-middle attacks. Therefore, it is advisable to take care of the RDP and put the access behind VPN and make sure to use additional software tools to ensure a full RDP's protection.
In general, it's very important to take all security measures to keep the system protected from virus attacks. Software cracks, unpatched vulnerabilities, pirated software and similar means that are well-known for bad actors can easily turn to a backdoor for ransomware attacks. Therefore, make sure to update your OS regularly, as well as rely on a powerful AV tool.
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
Explaining Void removal peculiarities
Void ransomware is a misleading type of threat that can root into the OS and initiate multiple changes on the system to prevent detection and removal.
Therefore, the only possible way to get rid of ransomware files is to launch a professional AV utility.
Do not fall for manic if any attempt to remove Void virus is terminated. This ransomware may run malicious processes that block AV engines. Therefore, success in Void removal can be achieved while in Safe Mode with Networking only. The guide below will explain how to change the environment and how to launch the AV scanner step-by-step.
[GI=method-1]To remove Void ransomware from Windows, boot the system into Safe Mode with Networking
[GI=method-2]An alternative to Safe Mode, System Restore feature can also be used to terminate Void
However, it turned out to be a powerful tool in decrypting files locked by ransomware.
Windows Previous Version feature can help to get some files back
If your OS have a feature of the Previous Version enabled, try to retrieve files encrypted by Void using this funcion.
Check for Volumes Shadow copies
The latest ransomware tends to eliminate Volume Shadow Copies. However, the are many examples when crooks failed to eliminate Shadow Copies and the Void virus may be the case. Therefore, try to perform the following steps to decrypt files locked by this ransomware.
No Void descriptor available
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 Void ransomware 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 .void and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
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 Void ransomware
How do I open .void files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .void 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.
Did Void ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Void ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .void 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.
How did Void ransomware get on my computer?
The way Void ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .void and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Is there a free Void ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Void ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Void ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
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 Void ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I open Decryption-Info.HTA?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text Decryption-Info.HTA cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
Is Ransom:Win32/Ouroboros.d16a998c a false positive?
Sometimes. Names ending in !ml or describing behaviour are generated by machine learning and occasionally flag cracked tools, game mods or small unsigned utilities. A false positive is likely only when the file is a program you installed from its official developer, it is signed by that developer and other scanners do not flag it.
Files from cracks, cheats, fake updates or unknown downloads are rarely false positives, whatever the detection name. If you are sure the file is genuine, you can report it to Microsoft as a false positive; never add an exclusion for Ransom:Win32/Ouroboros.d16a998c just to make the alert stop.
Will Fortect remove Void ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Void ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- VirusTotal: stevenxx134@gmail.com.exe file (read October 6, 2026)
- Emsisoft: Spotlight on ransomware: Ransomware encryption methods (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)