How to remove WinLock2 ransomware

What is file-encoding malicious software

WinLock2 ransomware is is a file-encrypting kind of malware. Malicious downloads and spam emails are generally used to spread the ransomware. Ransomware is a very dangerous piece of damaging program because it encrypts files, and requests that you pay to get them back. Damaging program specialists may be able to make a free decryption key or if you have backup copes of your files, you could get your files back from there. But otherwise, there is a high possibility you will lose your files. But what about paying the ransom, you might think, but we must warn you that it might not lead to data decryption. There are plenty of of cases when ransomware makers just take the money and leave the files as they are, locked. We would advise that you eliminate WinLock2 ransomware instead of complying with the demands.

Download Removal Toolto remove WinLock2 ransomware

How does ransomware act

If you recently opened an email attachment that is where you could have acquired the threat. damaging software authors add infected files to an email and send it to to a lot of users. As soon as the file attached is opened, the file-encoding malicious software downloads onto the computer. Careless or less informed users may be putting their computers in jeopardy if they open every single email attachment they get. You must learn the signs of a malicious email, otherwise you will end up with a malicious one eventually. You being pushed by the sender to open the attachment is a big red flag. Overall, be cautious as any email attachment you get could be malevolent software. Downloading from non-legitimate portals may also result in ransomware. You should only download from official web pages if you wish to avoid ransomware.

The encoding process will be finished before you even grasp what is going on. The major targets of the infection will be images, documents and videos. The ransom note, which ought to become visible after encryption, will explain what has occurred and how you ought to advance, according to the cyber criminals. Cyber crooks will demand that payment will be needed in order to recover your data. Criminals’ actions is unpredictable therefore doing business with them might become really difficult. So by giving into the demands, you may just be giving away money only to receive nothing. You receiving the decoding program for which you have to pay, may not be the outcome of this whole situation. Don’t be shocked if you pay and get nothing is sent to you, as there is nothing preventing cyber crooks from simply taking your money. Situations such as this are why having backup is so crucial, you can just remove WinLock2 ransomware and not worry about probably loosing your data. We advise that you delete WinLock2 ransomware and instead of giving into the demands, you invest that money into backup.

WinLock2 ransomware termination

We always warn inexperienced users that the only safe method to abolish WinLock2 ransomware is by using anti-malware software. The process of manual WinLock2 ransomware removal could be too complicated to perform securely, so we don’t suggest it. It should be noted that if you terminate WinLock2 ransomware, the security software won’t be able to restore your files

Download Removal Toolto remove WinLock2 ransomware

Learn how to remove WinLock2 ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Remove WinLock2 ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove WinLock2 ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove WinLock2 ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove WinLock2 ransomware.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove WinLock2 ransomware.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove WinLock2 ransomware using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.