Weui ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Weui ransomware is a cryptovirus that encrypts victims' personal data and demands a ransom. The malware belongs to the ever-growing Djvu ransomware family, which has over 250 variants threatening everyday computer users since December of 2018, with viruses like Lisp, Vvoa, Iiss, and many others.
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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Weui ransomware: summary
| name | Weui ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | Djvu ransomware |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom amount | $980 if the victims are not hasty and don't contact/pay within 72 hours of infection. If the users are quick, a 50% discount is given, lowering the ransom to $490 |
| Appended file extension | .weui 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 15 more facts
| Criminal contact details | As usual with Djvu family viruses, two emails are provided to establish contact: helpmanager@mail.ch, restoremanager@airmail.cc |
|---|---|
| Virus removal | Professional anti-malware software should be used to eliminate the virus from the system fully |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .weui |
| 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 | Weui ransomware |
| 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 | .weui |
| Attacker contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 1 December 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.weui - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
helpmanager@mail.ch
From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Weui ransomware
- The system tune-up tool should be used after malware's elimination to find and fix any system issues the virus might have caused
How Weui ransomware behaves
From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since
Weui ransomware - crypto-malware that might result in a complete loss of pictures, documents and other files
Weui ransomware is a cryptovirus that encrypts victims' personal data and demands a ransom.
The malware belongs to the ever-growing Djvu ransomware family, which has over 250 variants threatening everyday computer users since December of 2018, with viruses like Lisp, Vvoa, Iiss, and many others.
As soon as ransomware gets access to a computer, it starts the encryption process instantly. During this process, all files are appended with a .weui extension and thus are rendered inaccessible. Since the latest version from this family are using an army-grade RSA encryption algorithm, it's very hard to decrypt the data without the necessary tools.
When all personal files, like pictures, documents, archives, etc., are renamed and encrypted, Weui virus generates ransom notes (_readme.txt) and places them in every folder so that the victims could find them easily. Within these notes cybercriminals state instructions and their demands. They also leave two emails for communication purposes - helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc.
Ransom notes among the viruses from this lineage differ very slightly if at all. First, the creators of Weui file virus explain that all personal data was encoded and that the only method to unlock it is by purchasing their decryption tool.
Then they offer a free decryption of one file to prove to the victims that the necessary tool really exists. They even provide a link to a video where such a tool can be seen in action.
The middle part of the ransom note is all about the ransom amount. The price of the Weui ransomware decryption tool is $980.
But if the victims are hasty and contact the hackers within 72 hours of the attack, the cybercriminals are nice enough to offer a 50% discount, reducing the ransom amount to $490. The preferred payment method isn't mentioned, but we can speculate that the ransom will be asked to forward using cryptocurrency Bitcoins.
The last part of the Weui ransomware money extortion note consists of two emails (helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc) that the cybercriminals provide to establish contact and an appointed unique victim ID. No threats not to try renaming files or use third-party decryption tools are submitted.
We always advise against dealing with the cybercriminals and suggest to remove Weui ransomware instead. Professional anti-malware software like or should be trusted with this process as manual removal could be a lengthy and difficult task even for experienced computer users.
When Weui ransomware removal is done with, and the device is virus-free, experts recommend using a powerful system tweaking tool like the app, to restore any changes that the cryptovirus might have caused to the system registry, its files, and settings. Only after a system tune-up, the victims should restore their data from backups.
Weui virus developers send this message with their ransom notes:
From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since
Evading .Weui file virus and other versions of Djvu family
Nowadays, there are various types of malware circulating around the internet.
From sensitive information collecting keyloggers to irritative adware. These kinds of malware could be distributed in various ways. But Djvu family ransomware, including the .Weui file virus is typically spread with game/software cracks.
These illegal activation toolkits are used to unlock commercial, licensed software and the hackers love to exploit it. They name the ransomware payload file as a new game or expensive software crack and upload it to file-sharing platforms like The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, and alike. So the .Weui ransomware virus executable is downloaded alongside other pirated files.
As soon as such a tool is downloaded an infection and encryption starts immediately and within a few minutes, all data on the computer could be rendered useless. Please refrain from using cracks. Instead, support your beloved game or desired software creators by purchasing their products either directly from them or from official distributors. You can avoid such Weui ransomware removal.
The Weui ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-Dz5odBd07y
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@airmail.cc
Your personal ID:
How to remove Weui 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 Weui 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 Weui 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
.weuiand 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 Weui 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 Weui 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 Weui 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 Dec 2020 · not reviewed since
How to recover .weui files? Here are a few answers to this very important question
Without a doubt, it must be scary to see .weui virus files on your computer, especially if contents are important, e.g., related to work or school projects.
Cybercriminals are preying on this fact; that is why ransomware targets the most common file types on a Windows computer - .doc, .zip, .jpg, .mp4, and many others.
Many users mistakenly believe that they can get their data back as soon as they eliminate the infection from the system. However, this is a very misleading assumption, as file encryption and virus infection are independent processes, although the former is not possible without the latter. This means that even if you delete the infection from your computer, it will not remove .weui extension from your files.
Once files are locked by ransomware, there are very few chances to recover them without using backups. Unfortunately, not many people are practicing keeping data backups, resulting in devastating consequences in case of a ransomware attack.
If you have no backups but want to recover .weui files, you should not rush paying criminals. There are several other methods that could help you, although keep in mind that the chance of success is relatively low. Here are a few options that you have (you need to backup the encrypted data, delete the malware and only then try them):
- Use Emsisoft's decryption tool. This option is only available for those who have their files encrypted with an offline ID (which you can find out after employing the tool). Keep in mind that it might take some time before a decryption key is available, as a victim of the same malware version needs to pay the ransom, retrieve the key from criminals, and then share it with the researchers so they can update the decryption tool.
- Try third-party recovery software such as . In some cases, you might be able to restore at least some copies of files from your hard drive with recovery tools.
- In case malware failed to delete Shadow Copies, you should be able to retrieve .weui files either manually or by using automated programs for the purpose. To find out more, check the bottom section of this article.
From our report of Dec 2020 · not reviewed since
Guidelines for Weui virus removal and system health check
Paying off the criminals and regaining access to the encrypted data might seem like the easiest way out, but by doing it victims endorse and motivate cybercriminals to expand their attacks and research new, more sophisticated malware and spreading techniques. People should focus on Weui ransomware removal instead.
We strongly advise to remove Weui ransomware with the help of reliable and powerful anti-malware software like or . Run a full system scan with any of these apps, and they should be able to locate, isolate, and delete the cryptovirus immediately.
As already mentioned, Weui file virus elimination won't decrypt your files. But if you had backups don't rush to use them right away.
First, you need to perform a full system scan with a system tune-up app like the to make sure the virus didn't do any harm to system files, and its settings. If it did, system repair apps will take care of it. Only then you're safe to retrieve info from your backups.
If you didn't keep backups, and there's no public decryption tool available, then export all encrypted files to offline storage, like USB drives or any other, and get back to us later. We always update our readers with all the latest news on ransomware, its prevention, and available decryption methods.
You could also try some of our suggested data recovery methods listed at the bottom of this article. Remember to clear the malware first and ensure that Weui virus is not going to renew the infection.
[GI=method-1]When or if the anti-virus app fails to remove .weui virus from your system, try doing it in Safe Mode with Networking
[GI=method-2]Using System Restore to delete the virus
This third-party app might be a useful tool to recover some lost data.
Data restore with the help of Windows Previous Version
This Windows OS feature could be able to restore files version prior to infection.
Using Shadow Explorer for file recovery
Shadow Explorer could retrieve some data from Shadow Copies.
Possible decryption methods for Weui ransomware
One company is dedicated to helping the victims of the Djvu ransomware family attacks. They always update their decryption toolkits so the users wouldn't have to pay the ransoms ever again. Since this a brand new cryptovirus, the decryption tool might not be able to help you still can download and try it out.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Make the next attack harmless
Weui ransomware could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .weui and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
Questions about Weui ransomware
How do I open .weui files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .weui 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.
Should I pay the ransom in _readme.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from _readme.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free Weui ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Weui 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 "Weui 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.
How did Weui ransomware get on my computer?
The way Weui 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 .weui 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.
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.
Did Weui ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Weui ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .weui 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 Weui 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 _readme.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text _readme.txt 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.
My files got .weui 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 .weui 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 Weui 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 Weui 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
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 6, 2026)
- Geeksforgeeks: Malware and its types (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)