How Do You Get Rid Of Ransomware?
Updated on September 29, 2026, by Xcitium
To get rid of ransomware, immediately disconnect the infected computer from the internet and network, isolate affected storage, identify the ransomware if possible, remove the malware with updated security software, and restore files from a verified clean backup or trusted decryptor. Do not reconnect the device until you confirm it is clean.
Ransomware is a type of malware that demands money by taking control of your computer. In general, it’s best to avoid paying the ransom. If you feel you have no choice, then the ransomware has exposed critical flaws in your security systems, and backup and recovery procedures.
Due to inadequate offline or cloud backups, many businesses have been hit by Ransomware attacks that infect files on the server as well as on individual computers.
How to Get Rid of Ransomware in 8 Steps
- Disconnect the infected computer from the network.
- Isolate connected and shared storage.
- Preserve evidence before making major changes.
- Identify the ransomware variant if possible.
- Scan and remove the ransomware.
- Check for a legitimate ransomware decryptor.
- Restore data from a verified clean backup.
- Patch, secure, and monitor the system before reconnecting it.
Removing ransomware and recovering encrypted files are two different tasks. Deleting the malware may stop further malicious activity, but it does not automatically decrypt files that have already been encrypted.
Types of Ransomware
Ransomware is continuously evolving, with new variants appearing in the wild and posing new threats to businesses. However, there are some ransomware variants which have been much more successful than others. The most common type of ransomware is the Crypto ransomware. Its primary aim is to encrypt the victim’s personal data and files.
Another type of ransomware is the Locker ransomware which is designed to lock the victim’s computer and prevent them from accessing their computer altogether.
What Should You Do First After a Ransomware Attack?
Immediately isolate the affected computer.
Disconnect:
- Ethernet cables
- Wi-Fi
- VPN connections
- Network shares
- Shared storage where appropriate
- Unnecessary external drives
If multiple computers are affected, isolate them from the network to help limit additional spread.
For an organization, notify the IT or security team immediately.
Do not start deleting files or wiping systems before determining whether evidence needs to be preserved for investigation.
Ransomware Removal at a Glance
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Isolate | Disconnect affected devices | Helps limit additional spread |
| 2. Preserve | Save logs and evidence where appropriate | Supports investigation |
| 3. Identify | Determine ransomware family if possible | May reveal recovery options |
| 4. Remove | Scan and eradicate malicious components | Stops active malware |
| 5. Verify | Confirm systems are clean | Reduces reinfection risk |
| 6. Decrypt | Use a trusted decryptor if available | May recover encrypted files |
| 7. Restore | Recover from clean backups | Restores data safely |
| 8. Secure | Patch vulnerabilities and reset exposed credentials | Reduces repeat compromise |
Does Antivirus Remove Ransomware?
Antivirus or endpoint-security software may detect and remove ransomware components, but removing the ransomware does not necessarily decrypt files that have already been encrypted.
Think of these as separate problems:
Ransomware removal: eliminates malicious software.
Ransomware recovery: restores or decrypts affected data.
You may successfully remove the malware while your files remain encrypted.
Can You Remove Ransomware Without Losing Files?
Sometimes.
You may be able to remove active ransomware without deleting encrypted documents.
However, removing ransomware does not restore encrypted files.
Keep copies of important encrypted files if you do not currently have a recovery method. A legitimate decryptor could potentially become available later for some ransomware families.
Do not repeatedly modify the only copies of encrypted files while experimenting with unverified recovery tools.
Will Resetting a PC Remove Ransomware?
A complete wipe and clean operating-system installation can remove many ransomware infections, but it also removes applications and local data.
Before rebuilding a computer:
- Preserve required evidence.
- Identify what data must be retained.
- Secure clean backups.
- Determine whether other systems are infected.
- Close the original attack path.
For businesses, rebuilding one endpoint is not enough if attackers still control credentials, servers, remote-access tools, or other systems.
Ransomware Removal vs. Ransomware Recovery
| Ransomware Removal | Ransomware Recovery |
|---|---|
| Removes malicious software | Restores business or personal data |
| Stops active malicious processes | Recovers encrypted files |
| May involve antivirus or EDR | May involve backups or decryptors |
| Addresses persistence | Restores clean systems |
| Does not automatically decrypt files | Does not replace malware eradication |
Both processes are necessary for a complete ransomware response.
Ransomware Emergency Checklist
If ransomware appears on your computer:
- Disconnect the affected device
- Protect backup systems
- Notify IT/security if it is a work device
- Preserve evidence
- Identify affected systems
- Remove active malware
- Look for a trusted decryptor
- Restore only verified clean backups
- Reset compromised credentials
- Patch the original weakness
- Monitor restored systems
- Report the incident where appropriate
Removing Ransomware and Preventing Future Infections
Nowadays, most anti-virus software is familiar with all the common variants of ransomware, and if not, should include heuristics technology that recognizes potentially dangerous processes, such as encrypting files. Unfortunately, users can expose their devices to ransomware, either by downloading infected software programs or by opening malicious files that arrive in phishing emails.
Of course, anti-virus programs should scan those files as well. But, the problem with this approach is that your antivirus software may be outdated. Ransomware can be easily prevented if your computer is running a fully updated copy of Windows with updated software applications and anti-virus software.
If you are aware of ransomware infection on your computer, you can prevent it from doing any harm by immediately disconnecting your computer from the internet, reformatting your storage drive, and reinstalling the operating system and other software from a backup.
If you are using Windows 10, then you can use the “Restore factory settings” option to solve the problem. Type ‘reinstall’ in the Windows search box, then click on ‘Remove everything and reinstall Windows’ option.
Precautionary Measures
Make sure to back up your computer and always use up to date security software (antivirus) equipped with specific anti-ransomware technology. Above all, never pay a ransom as it only encourages the attackers behind the ransomware attacks.
Ransomware is a serious threat to your computer and your data. By practicing safe computing habits and by using up to date security software, you can stay protected from encryption ransomware. Do your part by remaining vigilant and installing trusted security software such as the Xcitium Antivirus.
For enterprise users, Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection (AEP) is ideal. With a built-in containment engine and ‘Default Deny’ platform, Xcitium AEP provides 360-degree protection against any malware including ransomware.
Xcitium AEP includes antimalware, antivirus, and firewall along with a Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS). It blocks ransomware attacks by examining and sandboxing suspicious files, applications, and processes.
For more details about Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection, contact us at +1 888-256-2608.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of ransomware?
Isolate the infected device, remove the malware, verify the system is clean, and recover files from clean backups or a trusted decryptor.
Can antivirus remove ransomware?
It may remove the ransomware, but it usually cannot automatically decrypt files already encrypted.
Can ransomware be removed?
Yes. Active ransomware can often be removed or the affected system rebuilt.
Can encrypted ransomware files be recovered?
Sometimes. Clean backups or legitimate decryptors may restore files.
Should I pay ransomware?
Payment does not guarantee data recovery or that stolen data will be deleted.
Will resetting my PC remove ransomware?
A clean reinstall can remove many infections, but preserve needed evidence and data first.
Can ransomware infect backups?
Yes, especially backups that remain accessible from compromised systems.
Can ransomware spread to other computers?
Yes. Some attacks spread through networks, shared resources, vulnerabilities, or compromised credentials.
Should I disconnect from the internet?
Yes. Isolating an affected computer can help prevent additional malicious communication and spread.
What should a business do first?
Contain affected systems and accounts, preserve evidence, and activate the incident-response process.
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