HOW TO DELETE RANSOMWARE AND AVOID IT FROM COMING BACK?

Updated on August 5, 2026, by Xcitium

How to Delete Ransomware?

Deleting ransomware involves removing the malicious software from an infected device using trusted antivirus or endpoint protection tools. While deleting the ransomware stops it from continuing its malicious activity, it does not automatically decrypt files that have already been encrypted. To fully recover, organizations should isolate infected systems, remove the ransomware, restore data from verified backups when available, and investigate the root cause of the attack.

Everyone pays attention to ransomware because it is becoming a huge problem for home users and businesses. The process of ransomware that either encrypts or locks you from accessing your computer unless ransom is paid is a big issue for everyone. Which is why, everyone must learn how to delete ransomware and avoid it from happening again.

Identify it First

You will know that you have been infected by a ransomware when your computer is locked and flashes a message that demands you to pay a ransom to regain access. It happens when a user accidentally clicks a link or opens a malicious attachment from email. The ransomware silently encrypts all the files and once it’s done, that’s the time it will notify the victim and demand to pay the ransom. If you don’t know how to delete ransomware and deal with this problem, you will have no choice but to pay the ransom.

Step-by-Step: How to Delete Ransomware

1. Disconnect the infected computer from the internet and local network.
2. Isolate affected devices to stop the ransomware from spreading.
3. Identify the ransomware family if possible.
4. Boot into Safe Mode if required by your security software.
5. Run a full scan using a trusted antivirus or endpoint protection solution.
6. Quarantine or remove all detected ransomware components.
7. Install the latest operating system and application updates.
8. Change passwords for affected user accounts after confirming the device is clean.
9. Restore encrypted files from verified offline or immutable backups if available.
10. Perform a second full system scan to confirm complete removal.

Following these steps helps remove the ransomware while reducing the risk of reinfection.

Types Of Ransomware

In order to learn how to delete ransomware, you must know the different types of a ransomware. There are considered to be 2 major types of ransomware.

Locker Type Ransomware

• • Reveton: The Reveton first appeared in 2012. The behavior of Reveton is to lock the computer and display a message that looks like it came from the FBI or the police. During those times, if you happen to know how to delete ransomware, you will not need to pay the ransom to the criminals.

Crypto Type Ransomware

• • CrytpoLocker: The first strains of this ransomware appeared in 2013. This sets the behavior of a ransomware that encrypts a user’s data using a different algorithm of encryption. Once the encryption is done, it will then display a message asking for a payment to regain accessibility. If users are not familiar and doesn’t know how to delete ransomware or have failed to pay, it will automatically eliminate some files in the computer.

• • CryptoWall: The original strain of this ransomware appeared in 2014 and had many revisions. It became CryptoDefense, CryptoBit, CryptoWall 2.0, CryptoWall 3.0 and CryptoWall 4.0. It is very hard to know how to delete ransomware of this type because it changes and encrypts the file name of the file, so that it would be difficult to know which among the files are encrypted.

• • CTB-Locker: CTB-Locker appeared in mid-2014. Its programmer affiliated to others in order to easily spread the ransomware. If you are able to learn how to delete ransomware, you will be spared from paying the ransom in Bitcoins. The author of this ransomware is the one who controls the ransomware and the victims are the one who pay the monthly ransom in gain access.

• • TorrentLocker: TorrentLocker first appeared in 2014. This type of ransomware spread through the use of emails. The unique behavior on this ransomware is that it search for all other emails in the computer and send a spam emails to infect others. If the victim doesn’t know how to delete ransomware, it will attempt to delete Windows volume shadow copies. This will force the victim to pay the ransom.

• • TeslaCrypt: This type of ransomware first appeared in 2015. It targeted and encrypted the files of the players of the game Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. No one knows how to delete ransomware of this type, not until the criminals unexpectedly release the decryption key for the ransomware and just stop propagating.

• • Locky: 2016 was the year that this ransomware first appeared. Considered to be one of the sophisticated type of ransomware because it infects its users using Microsoft Office email attachments. Once the victim clicks the email attachment, it will spread on the computer and will start to encrypt files, and if you don’t know how to delete ransomware, you will be surprised with a ransom note that force you to pay.

• • WannaCry: WannaCry deceived and infected around 100,000 computer users in May 2017 because they don’t know how to delete ransomware. It took advantage of the Microsoft Windows vulnerability.

Can Deleting Ransomware Recover Files?

Deleting ransomware removes the malicious program, but it does not unlock files that have already been encrypted.

File recovery depends on:

• Verified offline backups
• Immutable cloud backups
• Trusted decryptors (when available)
• Previous file versions
• Professional incident response assistance

Removing the malware is only the first step in the recovery process.

Ransomware Removal vs File Recovery

Understanding the difference helps organizations plan an effective recovery strategy.

Common Warning Signs

Your computer may be infected if you notice:

• Files suddenly become encrypted.
• File extensions change unexpectedly.
• A ransom note appears.
• High CPU or disk activity.
• Security software is disabled.
• Unknown processes are running.
• Shared folders become inaccessible.
• Important documents cannot be opened.

Immediate isolation can help prevent the ransomware from spreading to other systems.

What to Do After Deleting Ransomware

After deleting the ransomware:

✔ Perform a second full malware scan.

✔ Apply missing security patches.

✔ Review user accounts and permissions.

✔ Rotate passwords and privileged credentials.

✔ Restore clean backups.

✔ Verify that no persistence mechanisms remain.

✔ Monitor systems for suspicious behavior.

✔ Update your incident response documentation.

These actions help ensure the environment is fully restored and protected.

Signs You Have Ransomware

Your computer may be infected if you notice:

• Files suddenly become encrypted.
• File extensions change unexpectedly.
• A ransom note appears.
• High CPU or disk activity.
• Security software is disabled.
• Unknown processes are running.
• Shared folders become inaccessible.
• Important documents cannot be opened.

Immediate isolation can help prevent the ransomware from spreading to other systems.

How to Prevent Future Ransomware Infections

Ransomware Prevention Checklist

• Maintain offline and immutable backups.
• Keep operating systems and applications updated.
• Use advanced endpoint protection.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Filter phishing emails.
• Restrict administrator privileges.
• Segment critical networks.
• Disable unnecessary remote access.
• Conduct employee cybersecurity awareness training.
• Test backup restoration and incident response plans regularly.

A layered defense is the most effective way to reduce ransomware risk.

Methods on How to Delete Ransomware

Once you have identified the type of ransomware on your computer. The next step to do is remove the ransomware. There are many ways on how to delete ransomware depending on which ransomware attacked your computer. It is also important to disconnect your computer from the internet to avoid further damage.

Install Anti-Malware Software
The most common method on how to delete ransomware is by installing a security software. Just make sure that you download the legitimate and trusted brand of security software to be able to address your ransomware problem.

Fix using SafeMode
This method is applicable when your computer is locked by the ransomware. First step is to restart the computer and boot using Safe Mode. When you are able to reach the desktop in Safe mode option, start the Windows System Restore. Choose the date prior to the date when your computer was infected.

Ransomware victims should be courageous not to pay the ransom. You must identify and learn how to delete ransomware properly. If you pay the ransom, it will just encourage more attacks in the future and the money could be used to support other criminal activities. You don’t have a better chance of retrieving your data if you pay and negotiate with the criminals. Having a security software will help you secure your computer and just rely that this security software knows how to delete ransomware properly on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deleting Ransomware

Can ransomware be deleted?

Yes. Trusted antivirus or endpoint protection software can remove the ransomware program from an infected system. However, encrypted files usually remain encrypted until they are restored from backups or decrypted with an approved tool.

Does deleting ransomware decrypt my files?

No. Deleting the malware stops further malicious activity but does not automatically restore encrypted files.

Should I pay the ransom?

Most cybersecurity authorities advise against paying because payment does not guarantee file recovery and may encourage additional criminal activity.

Can antivirus remove ransomware?

Many modern endpoint protection solutions can detect and remove ransomware. After removal, perform another full scan and verify system integrity before reconnecting the device to the network.

What should I do immediately after a ransomware attack?

Disconnect the affected device, isolate infected systems, preserve evidence, notify your security team, remove the ransomware using trusted tools, and restore data from verified backups if available.

How can I reduce the risk of future ransomware attacks?

Maintain secure backups, keep systems patched, deploy endpoint protection, enable MFA, educate users about phishing, and continuously monitor endpoints for suspicious activity.

Xcitium Antivirus Resource

Examples Of Ransomware Attacks

IT Tracking Inventory Software

Related Sources:

How To Combat Ransomware