XCrypt ransomware virus: what it is and how to remove it
Xcrypt virus brings disasters, and computer users should do their best to avoid this virtual virus that strongly damages computer systems once it gets there. At first, it seems that XCrypt virus is a version of RemindMe ransomware, but in reality, it is an entirely different ransomware .
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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XCrypt ransomware virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | ATTENTION!!!.txt |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | .xcrypt |
| 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 9 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | XCrypt ransomware virus |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .xcrypt |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 30 January 2017 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Traces of XCrypt ransomware virus you can check
- File extension:
.xcrypt - Note file:
ATTENTION!!!.txt
How XCrypt ransomware virus behaves
From our report of Jan 2017 · not reviewed since
Information about Xcrypt ransomware virus
Xcrypt virus brings disasters, and computer users should do their best to avoid this virtual virus that strongly damages computer systems once it gets there.
At first, it seems that XCrypt virus is a version of RemindMe ransomware, but in reality, it is an entirely different ransomware . Following a successful infiltration, the virus checks all system folders and finds target files, and encrypts them. It also appends .xcrypt file extensions to encrypted records to make the victim notice them sooner.
Sadly, encrypted data cannot be opened in any way and becomes entirely useless. Xcrypt malware is known to be a complex software, and at the moment there are no tools capable of decrypting files encrypted by it. When the virus corrupts all important files, it opens a !!!ATTENTION!!!.txt file that contains short guide on how to recover encrypted .xcrypt files:
As you can see, the virus wants you to pay money (100 Euros) to get your files back; obviously, it is a form of blackmail and extortion, and you should not carry out these commands!
No matter that frauds promise to provide you with information on how to decrypt data if you pay the ransom, do not believe them - we know cases when criminals asked victims to pay even more after the initial ransom payment was transmitted.
Better keep your money to yourself, and use it for a better purpose. You can use software if you wish, or any other legitimate program described in the Software page on our site.
From our report of Jan 2017 · not reviewed since
UPDATE: Xcrypt developers release a ransomware version that specifically targets Russian users
Virus researcher Jakub Kroustek has reached out to the internet community with some unpleasant news , especially for the users currently residing in the Russian-speaking countries.
The expert has detected a version of Xcrypt ransomware that "speaks" to its users in Russian. What is interesting is that the initial course of the system infiltration is no different to the one observed in the previous virus versions. Even the file original .xcrypt extensions remain in tact; nevertheless, this time, instead of addressing the users in English, the hackers list their demands in Russian.
There is also a new feature related to the communication between the victims and the extortionists. Now, the hackers use ICQ (a free messaging and call network) network to communicate with the victims which helps retain the anonymity and discretion of the interactions.
In other respects, Xcrypt it the same dangerous and destructive virus that it was before. Keep in mind that though the virus is targeted towards the Russian-speaking users, in reality, any device connected to the web is not immune to cyber infections. Thus, you should stay alert at all times.
From our report of Jan 2017 · not reviewed since
Distribution methods
Our analysis shows that Xcrypt ransomware mostly spreads via infectious emails, which supposedly deliver certain documents to computer users.
No matter what kind of attachment an email letter contains, do not open it unless you are sure that it is safe to do it. Remember that frauds send out thousands of letters containing malicious files entitled as "Scan/invoice/bill/fine/payment/prize/report" and so on, which seem trustworthy at first sight.
However, you should think twice whether you were supposed to receive such email and if it really comes from the company that the sender swears to be working at.
We suggest you carefully look at senders email and, when in doubt, double-check sender's reliability by contacting the company via its official website. Do not blindly open such letters and especially files attached to them because they can contain a destructive payload. Be careful - it is better to be safe than sorry!
The XCrypt ransomware virus ransom note
All the important files on your PC were encrypted.
To decrypt them, you should send 0.26 BTC (~100euro) to Bitcoin address: and in the description field type in your email address.
Then you will receive all necessary instructions.
How to remove XCrypt ransomware virus
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove XCrypt ransomware virus and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so XCrypt ransomware virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.xcryptand the instructions are inATTENTION!!!.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 XCrypt ransomware virus, 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 XCrypt ransomware virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that XCrypt ransomware virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
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 Jan 2017 · not reviewed since
How to remove Xcrypt virus?
If the PC has been compromised by this virus, do not waste any more time and remove Xcrypt virus right now.
For that, employ anti-malware software like . It is a trustworthy program that provides a lot of beneficial features. It has also proven to be a powerful malware remover that can identify and eliminate even the latest malware examples. Please start your PC in a Safe Mode with Networking before trying to launch the anti-malware software.
Restore individual files with a help of Windows Previous Versions feature
Files encrypted by XCRYPT are strongly secured and sadly, we do not have a decryption tool that could decrypt your files. However, you can try to restore encrypted data using Windows Previous Versions feature.
IMPORTANT. This method is not efficient if you have never enabled System Restore function.
Some viruses "forget" to erase Volume Shadow Copies, which are essential for data recovery. If the virus that has affected your computer has been developed by a quite foolish programmer, there is a great chance that your files can be recovered. Follow these instructions to check if Volume Shadow Copies have been deleted or not.
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 XCrypt ransomware virus together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .xcrypt 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 XCrypt ransomware virus
How do I open .xcrypt files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .xcrypt 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 ATTENTION!!!.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from ATTENTION!!!.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 XCrypt ransomware virus decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for XCrypt ransomware virus no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "XCrypt ransomware virus decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
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.
How did XCrypt ransomware virus get on my computer?
The way XCrypt ransomware virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .xcrypt and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did XCrypt ransomware virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by XCrypt ransomware virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .xcrypt 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 XCrypt ransomware virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I delete ATTENTION!!!.txt?
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. ATTENTION!!!.txt 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.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .xcrypt attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .xcrypt stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove XCrypt ransomware virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For XCrypt ransomware virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Datto: Common types of ransomware (read October 6, 2026)
- Twitter: Xcrypt Russian version (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)