Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Geeks Club is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
So, you’ve turned on your laptop to get some work done, only to be met with a scary message in blinking red text – hackers are holding your data for ransom, and they want several hundred dollars to release it.
Don’t panic. You can probably get your data back without paying the ransom, and you’ll definitely be able to restore your device to working condition. Follow these steps to recover your data and remove the ransomware from your device.
General shopping ads
Contain the Infection
Firstly, you don’t want the ransomware to spread to your other devices, external hard drives, or cloud storage. So immediately disconnect your device from the network and from any other devices it might be connected to. Then take a screenshot of the ransom message, if you can, or a picture of it with your smartphone – you’ll need this evidence when you report the crime to the police.
Make Sure It’s Really Ransomware
There are three kinds of malware implemented in ransomware attacks, but only two of them are actually ransomware. The third kind of malware, called scareware, displays a ransom message on your screen but doesn’t actually lock your screen or encrypt your files. See if you can get past the screen message and try to open some files, emails, or photos. If you can get past the ransom message and open files, you’re dealing with scareware.
Shopping ad
- Dimensions: 7.5" x 4.3" x 2.2". Compact size and lightweight make it easy to carry and put into your backpack, handbags or laptop bag without taking much space. Suitable for family use and daily organization. Note: Small mesh pockets are ideal for charging cords no longer than 3ft; longer cables (over 3ft) fit better in the larger compartments
- Quality Material: This electronic organizer travel case made of high quality durable waterproof oxford and soft sponge inside to secure your gadgets in place and deliver a quick access whenever you want. Water-resistant fabric protects your gear from unexpected splashes, keeping all your electronic essentials safe and secure
- Double Layers Design: This tech pouch features a double-layer interior design with 8 compartments, including multiple see-through mesh pockets and ample space to store your cords, cables, USB drives, cellphone, charger, mouse, flash drive and more, keeping all accessories neatly organized and tangle-free
- Practical and Convenient: Comes with a comfortable hand strap for easy carrying; You may carry it in your hand when heading out. Durable and smooth zipper closure keeps your favorite device securely, convenient for you to have quick access to the items inside the case
- Portable and Lightweight: The small size and lightweight design durable cable organizer pouch is a perfect choice when going on holiday, business trip, travel, office. Enjoy hassle-free travel without wasting time on tangled accessories. Great gift for yourself also a nice share with families and friends. (No include cords, electronic accessories)
As far as true ransomware goes, there are two kinds: screen locking and encrypting. Encrypting is the worst kind – it will encrypt your files and you may not be able to get them back without paying for the key that unlocks the ransomware. If you can get past the screen lock and open apps or directories, but can’t open files, photos, or email, you have encrypting ransomware, and you’ll need to take extra steps to restore your data after you’ve performed the ransomware removal procedure. If you can’t get past the screen lock at all, you have screen locking ransomware, which is a little easier to cope with than encrypting ransomware.
Take Steps to Clean Your Machine
If you have screen locking ransomware or scareware, reboot your system in Safe Mode and try a system restore. Then install and run an antivirus program that includes ransomware removal. This should be all you have to do to get rid of the malware.
Shopping ad
- 【UPGRADED LAPTOP CLEANING KIT 】 The macbook cleaning kit computer screen cleaner comes with a number of accessories including a retractable large brush, polishing cleaning cloth X 2, keycap puller, metal pen tip, flocking sponge, thin soft brush, soft plastic lens cleaning pen, 5 replacing cloth, large cleaning microfiber cloth. You deserve the comprehensive computer cleaning kit keyboard vacuum at a low cost
- 【PROFESSIONAL KEYBOARD CLEANING KIT】 The laptop screen cleaner keyboard cleaner can pull out the keycaps of gaming keyboards and mechanical keyboards. A retractable keyboard brush works on laptops and keyboards, while the mini high-density brush is great for deep cleaning between keys for cleaning between flatter keys on a laptop, the metal pin tip gently removes any stains. This electronic cleaning kit macbook cleaner totally meets professional cleaning needs
- 【OFFICE DESK ACCESSORIES】This keyboard cleaner kit is easy to use and can clean your keyboard and electronic screen with just one swipe. Wiping with the 2mm thicken widen polishing cleaning cloth designed at a right angle for better fitting screen corners of computers with our recyclable cleaning spray, The laptop cleaner kit for macbook effectively absorbs stubborn stains, leaves no discoloration, no streaks, and no fiber shedding on the screens
- 【MULTIFUNCTIONAL TOOLS 】Mini soft brush and soft plastic lens cleaning pen are specially designed for DSLR camera screen, lens, and other delicate surfaces. 5 more cleaning cloths of it supplied for replacement. The flocking sponge is an excellent tool for cleaning earbuds charging cases, And the earbud cleaning kit is ideal. This electronics for college students is equivalent to 10 other electronic cleaning kit
- 【PORTABLE DESIGN & CLEANER TOOL】 The office supplies is compact in design, easy to carry, and you can easily take it anywhere. It's convenient to keep one in a drawer, one in your car, or in your bag and dorm. It is easy to use and can clean your keyboard and electronic screen with just one swipe. Is the college essentials cleaning tool for your friends, family, colleagues and students
If you’ve been infected with encrypting ransomware, you’re going to need to both clean your machine and try to get your files back. The fastest way to restore your files might be to pay the ransom, though you run the risk of paying and still not getting back access to your data. If you decide to pay the ransom, don’t attempt to clean your machine until you get your files back. If you decide not to pay the ransom and to try and get your files back yourself, it will be too late to recover your files by paying the ransom once you’ve run a ransomware removal program. Use antivirus software that features ransomware removal to clean your system.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTry to Get Your Files Back
You may still be able to get your encrypted files back after you’ve cleaned your system. Often, ransomware programs actually copy your files, delete the originals, and then encrypt the copies. So you may be able to use a tool like ShadowExplorer to recover those deleted originals.
Shopping ad
- Compatible Space: This electronics organizer bag features 2 zippered mesh pockets fits phones, standard power banks, 4 elastic loop pouches for small items, 2 elastic loop pouches for wireless headphones and small chargers. Elastic loops for phone charging cable. And specific slots for SD cards. Please check the size to ensure it meets your needs
- Lightweight Travel Accessories: The size of the electronic organizer travel case is 10.6" L x 7.5" W x 1.2" H, Compact but substantial size fits your intended bag or space. Suitable for traveling use and daily organization
- Keep Everything Organized: This compact travel organizer features dedicated compartments for your phone charger, cables, and tech accessories, keeping them tangle-free and ready to go. You can find travel accessories quickly, no chasing cords in your pack anymore
- Durable Travel Essentials: Features double zippers for easy access, elastic loops with non-slip grips for daily protection. Organizer for office use and traveling, (Not including cords, electronic accessories). It can serve as a travel checklist. Before you leave a place, just open the case and check if everything is there, preventing you from leaving things behind
- Versatile Use: Its practicality and convenience make it a travel essential bag. It is suitable for a weekend trip, business trip, and travel. This organizer pouch is suitable for office, business, daily use and can be given as a gift for friends, family, or men, for birthdays, Valentine's Day, Christmas Day, Father's Day
If you can’t do that, you can probably find a free tool that will allow you to decrypt the files yourself. Use a tool like ID Ransomware to figure out the name of the ransomware you’re infected with, then go to No More Ransom to find the right decryption tool to restore your files. If you need help getting your files back (or getting the ransomware off your machine, for that matter), you can take it to any qualified computer repair technician for help.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Report the Crime
If you’re able to get your data back and don’t need to file an insurance claim relating to it, then you may be reluctant to file a police report about the crime. However, filing a police report when you’re targeted by cybercriminals helps authorities gain an accurate picture of how often these types of crimes are committed and how they’re impacting victims. And if you do need to file an insurance claim for your lost data, you’re going to need a police report to document the crime.
Shopping ad
- Universal fit: ColorCoral cleaning gel, simple and convenient cleaning kits for PC/laptop keyboard and other rugged surface, such as the car vent, camera, printer, telephone, calculator, Instrument, speaker, air conditioner, TV and other appliances
- Safe cleaning gel: The keyboard cleaner gel is made from natural gel, no sticky to hands, smells sweet with lemon fragrance, no stimulation to skin
- Easy dust cleaning: Make sure your hands are dry and clean, knead the cleaning gel into a ball, press the cleaning gel slowly into the keyboard, car vent and rugged surface till the cleaning gel could touch the bottom and then pull out, the dust would be carried away with the cleaning gel
- Reusable: The keyboard cleaning gel could be used repeatedly till the color turn to dark or it become sticky, then you have to replace the cleaning gel with a new one. After cleaning, please stock the cleaning gel in cool place. (Note: Don’t wash the gel in water.)
- In the package: 1 can of universal cleaning gel, we provide the cleaning gel with brand new, if you find the package broken, the cleaning gel dirty, or any other quality issues, please email us through message, we provide you new one soon
No one wants to see their device and data held for ransom by cybercriminals, but the good news is that you can usually recover from a ransomware attack without paying the ransom. All you need to do is remove the malware from your machine and restore your encrypted files, and your machine will be good as new.
More shopping ads
Shopping ad
- Award-Winning Compact Design & EDC-Ready Gift Choice: Weighing only 0.09 lb and sized like a credit card, this compact laser measure is designed for everyday carry. It slips easily into a pocket, tool pouch, or bag, and can attach to a keychain for quick access wherever you go. Its minimalist design, premium tactile finish, and practical one-button measuring make it a useful EDC gadget for DIYers, real estate agents, homeowners, and tech enthusiasts. A thoughtful gift for men on any occasion
- One-Button Easy Measuring, Simple to Use: Designed with simple one-button operation, this compact laser tape measure makes quick measuring easy without complicated controls. Just press to measure room dimensions, furniture spacing, window height, wall décor placement, and everyday distances around the home. Ideal for users who want a smart, pocket-size measuring tool that fits naturally into an everyday carry (EDC) setup and feels intuitive, modern, and easy to use
- Fast & Accurate Indoor Measurements with Class 2 Laser: Measure distances from 0.16 ft to 98 ft with up to ±1/16 in / ±2 mm accuracy. With quick measurement response in about 0.2 seconds, HOTO helps you check spaces efficiently for home renovation, furniture layout, moving, decorating, craft projects, and DIY planning. Built with a Class 2 laser for everyday indoor measuring; use as directed and avoid direct eye exposure
- Low-Power OLED Display & USB-C Rechargeable Convenience: The low-power OLED display provides clear indoor readings while helping reduce battery drain. With USB-C rechargeable design, auto shut-off, and up to 1000 measurements per charge, this digital laser measure is built for repeated daily use without frequent battery replacement. Compact enough to keep in a drawer, toolbox, bag, or pocket
- Useful for Home, Work & Everyday Projects: From home renovation and furniture measuring to room planning, real estate checks, interior design, and light construction projects, this pocket-size laser distance measure is made for practical everyday use. Compact enough to keep in a drawer, toolbox, bag, or pocket, it is a stylish measuring tool that feels just as giftable as it is useful
