How to Remove Watz Ransomware and Decrypt .Watz Files: The Complete, Step‑by‑Step Guide

Learn how to remove Watz ransomware from your Windows PC, recover .watz encrypted files using safe methods, and protect your system from future attacks. Includes trusted tools and FAQs.

What Is Watz Ransomware?

Watz ransomware is a variant of the STOP/Djvu family of malware that encrypts files on a Windows computer and renames them with the .watz extension. Once encrypted, files look like normal documents, images, and videos but cannot be opened without a decryption key. Attackers often leave a ransom note (e.g., _readme.txt) demanding payment in cryptocurrency for a decryption key.

This ransomware typically spreads through:

• Pirated or cracked software
• Fake software updates
• Spam email attachments
• Malicious downloads

Step 1: Immediately Isolate the Infected Computer

Before trying to fix anything, you need to contain the infection:

1. Disconnect from the Internet
   Turn off Wi‑Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable.
2. Disconnect External Storage
   Remove any USB drives, external hard drives, or network drives.

This stops the ransomware from encrypting more files or spreading to other devices on the network.

Step 2: Remove Watz Ransomware from Your PC

Simply decrypting files without removing the malware first won’t protect you — the ransomware can still be present and re‑encrypt files again.

Option A: Use Trusted Security Software

Here are reputable tools you can use to detect and remove Watz ransomware:

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus (built into Windows) — https://support.microsoft.com/defender
• Malwarebytes — https://www.malwarebytes.com/
• Emsisoft Anti‑Malware — https://www.emsisoft.com/en/home/

How to scan:

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking
   • Restart your PC
   • Press F8 or hold Shift while clicking Restart
   • Choose Safe Mode with Networking
2. Install or open your antivirus tool.
3. Update its virus definitions.
4. Perform a full system scan.
5. Remove any threats found.

These tools are designed to identify and remove ransomware and related malware.

Option B: Manual Removal (Advanced Users Only)

Warning: Manual removal is complicated and risky. If you are not experienced, do not attempt this. Incorrect changes to system files or the registry can render Windows unusable.

Manual steps can include:

• Checking Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) for suspicious processes
• Inspecting startup entries (msconfig or Task Manager Startup tab)
• Removing malicious files from:
  • C:\ProgramData
  • C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local
  • C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming

If you are unsure about a file, do not delete it.

Step 3: Can You Decrypt .Watz Files?

Once ransomware is removed, the next challenge is trying to recover your encrypted files.

Why Decryption Isn’t Always Possible

Watz ransomware uses either online keys (unique to your infection) or offline keys (shared among victims). Only files encrypted with offline keys may be recoverable with free tools.

Option 1: Try the Emsisoft STOP/Djvu Decryptor

Emsisoft has a free tool that can decrypt many STOP/Djvu variants — if an offline key was used.

🔗 Download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu:
https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/stop-djvu

How to use it:

1. Download and run the tool.
2. Select a folder with .watz files.
3. Start the decryption process.
4. If offline keys are available for your infection, it may recover files.

Note: If your files used an online key, the decryptor will not work.

Option 2: Restore from Backups

The safest way to recover files is to restore them from a backup you made before the infection:

• External hard drive backups
• Cloud backups (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)

If you already use regular backups, this is often the fastest recovery method.

Option 3: Use File Recovery Software

Sometimes deleted or older versions of files are still recoverable even after encryption.

Trusted tools include:

• Recuva — https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard — https://www.easeus.com/data-recovery-software/

These tools scan your drive for older file versions that may be restorable.

Option 4: Check Windows Shadow Copies

Windows sometimes keeps “shadow copies” of files from past restore points.

To check:

1. Right‑click an encrypted file.
2. Select Restore previous versions.
3. Choose an older version and restore.

You can also try ShadowExplorer if available:
https://www.shadowexplorer.com/

Note: This only works if shadow copies exist and weren’t removed by the ransomware.

Step 4: Should You Pay the Ransom?

Short answer: Do not pay the ransom.

Reasons:

• There’s no guarantee attackers will give you a working key.
• Paying encourages more ransomware attacks.
• You could be targeted again.

Always pursue removal and recovery options before even considering payment.

Step 5: How to Protect Your Computer from Ransomware

To reduce the risk of future attacks:

1. Keep Windows and Software Updated

Security updates fix vulnerabilities that ransomware exploits.

2. Use Reliable Security Software

Real‑time protection from tools like Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender can block ransomware before it runs.

3. Avoid Pirated Software

Cracked programs often contain malware.

4. Be Careful with Email Attachments

Never open attachments from unknown senders.

5. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Use both:

• Offline backups (external drive stored safely)
• Cloud backups (Google Drive, OneDrive)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does “.watz” file mean?
.watz is the extension ransomware adds to your files after encryption. It shows the files are locked and cannot be opened normally.

Q2: Is there a free way to decrypt .watz files?
Yes, if your files were encrypted with an offline key. You can try the Emsisoft STOP/Djvu Decryptor here: https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/stop-djvu

Q3: Can antivirus software restore encrypted files?
No. Antivirus software can remove malware but cannot decrypt files once they are locked.

Q4: How can I tell if I have an offline key?
Look at the ransom note (usually _readme.txt). If the ID ends with “offline,” you may be able to use a decryptor.

Q5: Will paying the ransom help?
No. Paying is risky and often doesn’t work. It supports criminal activity and does not guarantee recovery.

Q6: What type of files can ransomware encrypt?
Almost any file type: pictures, documents, videos, spreadsheets, databases, and more.

Final Thoughts

Watz ransomware attacks can be frightening, but you do not have to panic. Follow these steps:

1. Isolate the infected PC
2. Remove the ransomware with trusted security software
3. Try decryption tools
4. Restore from backups
5. Strengthen your system to prevent future attacks

Taking these actions improves your chances of recovery and keeps your data safer over time.

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