Skip to main content
Tech Radar Tech Radar TechRadar The source for Tech Buying Advice
Subscribe
RSS
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
Technology Magazines
Technology Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12.99
View Deal
  • News
  • Best
  • Reviews
  • Opinion
  • How To
  • Deals
  • More
    • Versus
    • Appliances
    • Audiovisual
    • Cameras
    • Car Tech
    • Computing
    • Coupons
    • Downloads
    • Entertainment
    • Fitness
    • Laptops
    • Phones
    • Smart Home
    • Tablets
    • TVs
    • Wearables
    • About Us
Tech Radar Pro
Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • WWDC 2023
  • Computex 2023
  • iPhone 15
  • ChatGPT
  • Wordle hints
  • Best VPN

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. How-to
  3. Computing

How to remove ransomware without paying

By Cat Ellis
published 2 July 2017

Stop ransomware in its tracks, and rescue your files if your PC has already been infected

Introduction

Introduction

Ransomware – software that encrypts your files or locks your screen until you pay its creators a fee – is no longer the preserve of malicious coders. Virus-writers are now offering their creations for sale on the black market for less tech-savvy criminals to distribute, in return for a slice of the profits.

This new tactic means ransomware is spreading faster than ever, and criminals are becoming more inventive with their tactics.

As with all malware, prevention from ransomware is better than cure: only download software from trusted sources, don't open unexpected email attachments, question any new programs you don't remember downloading, and remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

However, it's not always possible to stop stealthy attacks – sometimes all it takes is visiting a website that's been compromised – but there are ways to avoid disaster and remove ransomware that slips through the net.

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
1. Make backups and a rescue disc
Regular backups are en essential part of protecting your data, and free system utility AOMEI Backupper makes the process quick and painless

1. Make backups and a rescue disc

If your PC isn't yet infected, you can put measures in place immediately to protect yourself and your data from ransomware.

You should already be making regular backups of your most valuable files – not only as protection from ransomware and viruses, but also from file corruption, disk damage, and theft or loss of your machine. It might seem like a hassle, but it doesn't have to be.

AOMEI Backupper is a free tool that takes the fuss out of this essential part of PC housekeeping, making it easy to back up your whole system, a drive, a partition, or individual files. You can also clone one drive to another with a few clicks, and make bootable rescue media for emergencies like a ransomware infection.

Also make sure you have the latest updates for all your software, to patch any newly discovered vulnerabilities. Check your Windows settings to ensure you receive automatic updates, and install Secunia Personal Software Inspector to identify software in need of patching. The first time you run Secunia PSI it will prompt you to install Microsoft Update; you can ignore this if you're running Windows 8, 8.1 or 10.

Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
2. Boost your PC's security
Ransomware can exploit vulnerabilities in your operating system and other software. Ensure your apps are up to date using Secunia Personal Software Inspector - available to download free

2. Boost your PC's security

An online security tool is essential to stop ransomware infections - they don't have to cost a penny, check out our best free antivirus programs - but bear in mind that some are more comprehensive than others. Avira Free Antivirus is our weapon of choice, and Avast Free Antivirus also offers particularly good for blocking and removing ransomware.

Security stalwart Malwarebytes is working on a tool specifically designed to stop ransomware, and you can try it for free before it's rolled into the company's premium security suite. It's still in beta, so it's not perfect, but it provides an extra layer of security on top of your existing antivirus.

Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
3. Unlock files and remove ransomware
The security experts at Malwarebytes are developing a dedicated anti-ransomware tool. It's still in beta, but adds an extra layer of protection on top of your regular antivirus program

3. Unlock files and remove ransomware

If you're unfortunate enough to fall victim to a ransomware attack, your immediate instinct might be to pay the fine and get everything back working as soon as you can. Most criminals will indeed remove the ransomware unlock your files once you've opened your wallet, but there's no guarantee.

If your PC is locked by ransomware, try inserting your Windows disc, then rebooting. The machine should boot from the disc rather than your hard drive (if not, press [F8] before Windows loads and use the BIOS menu to change the boot order), and you'll be given the option to repair or reinstall the operating system.

Alternatively, you can use the Advanced Boot Options menu (again via the BIOS) to access Windows System Restore, to remove the ransomware by restoring your PC to a point before it became infected.

Restoring or repairing your system should remove ransomware, but your files may still be encrypted – or even deleted. That isn't a problem if you've been making regular backups though, and AOMEI Backupper will enable you to restore them in minutes.

Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
Cat Ellis
Cat Ellis
Social Links Navigation

Cat is the editor of TechRadar's sister site Advnture. She’s a UK Athletics qualified run leader, and in her spare time enjoys nothing more than lacing up her shoes and hitting the roads and trails (the muddier, the better)

See more Software how-to
More about computing
Adobe Photoshop Generative AR

Photoshop AI Generative Fill is so powerful it might change photo editing forever

The inside of a VR headset with two red 'X' icons covering the eye displays.

I don’t care about VR, and no M3 chip news will ruin Apple's WWDC event for me

Latest
The rainbow Apple WWDC 2023 logo

How to watch Apple's WWDC 2023 keynote

See more latest ►
Most Popular
Manchester City vs Manchester United live stream: how to watch FA Cup final free online and on TV today, team news

By Andy MurrayJune 03, 2023

Alcaraz vs Shapovalov live stream: how to watch French Open Third Round online

By Kevin LynchJune 02, 2023

What is an M.2 SSD: Small form factor data storage explained

By John LoefflerJune 02, 2023

E3 2023 schedule: here are the games showcases airing this Summer

By Jake GreenJune 02, 2023

Street Fighter 6 crossplay: can you play with other platforms?

By Kara PhillipsJune 01, 2023

Street Fighter 6 Modern controls vs Classic controls: what are the differences?

By Rhys WoodJune 01, 2023

Street Fighter 6 best beginner characters: who should you play as if you’re new?

By Kara PhillipsJune 01, 2023

Street Fighter 6 online ranks explained and how to rank up

By Rhys WoodJune 01, 2023

Street Fighter 6 Battle Hub: features and how to play online

By Kara PhillipsJune 01, 2023

What is a processor: Your CPU explained in plain terms

By John LoefflerJune 01, 2023

How to watch Queen of the Universe season 2 online from anywhere

By Aatif SulleymanJune 01, 2023

  1. Lee Pace's Brother Day points his finger at Jared Harris' Hari Seldon's AI construct in Foundation season 2
    1
    5 upcoming TV shows that mean Apple TV Plus could replace your Netflix subscription
  2. 2
    Finished Ted Lasso? Here are 6 fun shows to watch next, on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and more
  3. 3
    The wildest PC builds I've seen at Computex 2023 — and one of the loveliest
  4. 4
    Roku TVs' free channels are great, but there are too many – here's how to manage them
  5. 5
    There's a new Gmail verification scam; here's how to avoid getting caught up in it
  1. Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso pointing at someone in Ted Lasso season 2
    1
    Finished Ted Lasso? Here are 6 fun shows to watch next, on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and more
  2. 2
    Roku TVs' free channels are great, but there are too many – here's how to manage them
  3. 3
    There's a new Gmail verification scam; here's how to avoid getting caught up in it
  4. 4
    End of an era: Sony's iconic XM3 headphones are finally flying to the big gig in the sky
  5. 5
    The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro release highlights a big problem Garmin needs to solve

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.