Zqqw virus: what it is and how to remove it
Zqqw ransomware is targeting Windows computers that lack sufficient protection. The threat can insert itself on the machine and act maliciously until the data gets locked and ransom note presented - the only symptom of this cryptocurrency extortion-based virus.
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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Zqqw virus: summary
| Distribution | File-sharing platforms when cracks and piratend software gets downloaded |
|---|---|
| name | Zqqw virus |
| Type | Ransomware, file-locker, cryptovirus |
| Family | Djvu/STOP ransomware |
| ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom amount | $980/$490 |
| 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 16 more facts
| Infection symptoms | Personal files are renamed and cannot be accessed; ransom note appears on the desktop and in affected folders; can't launch security software or visit specific websites |
|---|---|
| Data recovery | All possible methods to either regain access to locked files or restore your data are presented in this article |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | manager@mailtemp.ch, helpmanager@airmail.cc, helpteam@mail.ch |
| Encrypted file extension | .zqqw |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Zqqw virus |
| 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 | .zqqw |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Attacker contacts | manager@mailtemp.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 5 July 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.zqqw - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
manager@mailtemp.ch
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Zqqw virus
- Ransomware removal has to be performed with reliable anti-malware software to ensure its complete termination
- After removing the parasite, use the software to repair the damage it caused to the system
How Zqqw virus behaves
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Zqqw ransomware – a file-locker which developers demand almost $1000 to unlock the encrypted files
Zqqw ransomware is targeting Windows computers that lack sufficient protection.
The threat can insert itself on the machine and act maliciously until the data gets locked and ransom note presented - the only symptom of this cryptocurrency extortion-based virus.
Since the cryptovirus belongs to the Djvu ransomware family, these infections are mostly spread through file-sharing platforms, especially torrent websites. If your computer is infected with the article's culprit, you probably downloaded a game crack, pirated software, or something similar from these high-risk websites.
It's easy to figure out if the article's culprit infected your device, as all your personal files, such as documents, pictures, archives, etc., are appended with the .zqqw extension and are inaccessible. Keep in mind that their contents aren't changed. Thus by using specific decryption software, you'll be able to use them as nothing ever happened.
The threat actors behind this infection try their hardest to convince that the only way to decrypt the data is by purchasing their developed software. In some cases that might be true, but forwarding the demanded amount ($980) in Bitcoins would motivate them to increase the number of attacks and finance their whole operation.
Besides, there are alternative Zqqw file recovery options. We've been in the business of helping people get out of various sticky situations for over 20 years, so we know a thing or two when it comes to ransomware, its families, removal methods, and recovery options.
Don't believe a word in the _readme.txt ransom note, that's dropped on your desktop and in some affected folders after your data is locked. The criminals are trying to scare you into sending them money.
They even try to push you into making rash decisions by offering a 50% discount on the ransom amount if you reach out to them via email (manager@mailtemp.ch, helpmanager@airmail.cc, or helpteam@mail.ch) within 72 hours of the attack.
Here's the message that Zqqw virus developers send to their victims:
Once this note appears the file-locker has accomplished its primary mission. So please do not panic. Now everything depends on how you respond to this incident.
It can't be reiterated too much that we do not advise succumbing to the criminal demands. Instead, remove the Zqqw file virus and recover your data with alternative software.
The Zqqw virus ransom 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-9CYW99VhUR
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:
helpteam@mail.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@airmail.cc
Your personal ID:
How to remove Zqqw 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 Zqqw 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 Zqqw 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
.zqqwand 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 Zqqw 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 Zqqw 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 Zqqw 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
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Detailed instructions to remove Zqqw ransomware and fix corrupted system files
We're very glad you've decided to remove the file-locking parasite instead of paying the demanded ransom.
Before we get into the removal process, please copy all encrypted files from your infected computer to an offline storage device, such as a USB drive, HDD/SSD storage, or similar. They might be needed if the anti-malware software would recognize them as malicious and remove them.
Once the copies are secured, download a trustworthy anti-malware tool. Many users have left very good reviews for the security app. Once the scan is finished, choose to remove the Zqqw ransomware from your device along with all associated files and entries.
If you don't like the interface or any other aspect of the above-mentioned tool, cybersecurity specialists recommend using the security software. It's as powerful as the first one, but it's GUI might be more appropriate for some users. Whatever the case may be, it's your choice, but please keep in mind that manual ransomware removal is not possible. Thus you will have to use one of these two dependable applications.
It's worth mentioning that in some cases, Zqqw file virus could block entrance to security-related pages and prevent you from launching these tools. If this happens when you try to download or launch security software, you will have to do that in Safe Mode with Networking. If you need assistance with accessing this mode, please follow these guidelines:
When you access this mode, you can freely access any security-related website and download any anti-malware software that you can trust to fully remove Zqqw virus. To keep your device free from various malware, make a habit of scanning your device with such software regularly.
Users have reported that after removing Leex and Miis ransomware (recent Djvu family malware variations), their devices exhibited various abnormal behavior, such as BSoDs, freezing, overheating, etc. This happens because file-locking parasites from this lineage heavily edit system files and settings to establish persistence.
In some cases, these modifications could even lead to infection renewal. Therefore, you need to take care of them, right after you remove Zqqw ransomware from your device.
It will automatically detect all system abnormalities, such as broken DLLs, altered Registry keys and values, etc., and fix them with a push of a button. Its developers offer a free trial, so you can use it, and uninstall it if you don't like it without losing a dime.
If you'd like to give it a go, here's what you need to do:
In addition, the optimization software also deletes all tracking cookies, that treacherous sites could be using to record your browsing habits.
- Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Click Restart.
- Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
From our report of Jul 2021 · not reviewed since
Illustrated guides to decrypt and recover data
Ransomware infections are a nightmare as all precious data can be lost forever.
There's an upside to getting infected with Zqqw ransomware. Since it's from the most popular ransomware strain in the world, a company called Emsisoft is dedicating its time and money to help victims get out of this sticky situation scotch-free.
The company does that by offering free decryption software. The tool is constantly updated since new variations of the ransomware from this lineage are produced very frequently. To be exact, only this week we've already written about four new versions of this vile parasite.
Please note that there's no guarantee that this tool will work, but try it out and keep your fingers crossed:
We surely hope that the free Emsisoft decryptor was able to recover .zqqw files. If not, you shouldn't get your hopes down as there are alternative ways to restore your files. Our IT specialist team has compiled viable suggestions and we've added them to our instructions section right below this article. Please feel free to use them and contact us if you need any further assistance.
- After pressing the Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, should show up - click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
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 Zqqw 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 .zqqw and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Zqqw virus
How do I open .zqqw files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .zqqw ending shows that Zqqw virus encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Zqqw virus. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
How did Zqqw virus get on my computer?
The way Zqqw 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 .zqqw 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 Zqqw virus decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Zqqw 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 "Zqqw 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.
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.
Did Zqqw virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Zqqw virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .zqqw 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 Zqqw 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 just remove .zqqw from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .zqqw extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Will Fortect remove Zqqw 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 Zqqw 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
- Wikipedia: Graphical user interface (read October 6, 2026)
- Howtogeek: Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death (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)