Download and Use Emsisoft Decrypter for AutoLocky: Complete Guide

Fast Recovery with Emsisoft Decrypter for AutoLocky — Troubleshooting Tips

Before you start

1. Disconnect the infected PC from networks and external drives to prevent further spread.
2. Remove the malware with a reputable antivirus (full scan + quarantine) before running the decrypter.
3. Work on copies: make a copy of encrypted files to a separate drive; run tests on copies only.

Download & prepare

• Download the official AutoLocky decryptor from Emsisoft’s site: https://www.emsisoft.com/en/ransomware-decryption/autolocky/
• Run the decryptor as Administrator on the affected machine or on a forensic image of the disk.

Typical fast-recovery workflow

1. Confirm files match AutoLocky behaviour (extension.locky, base filename unchanged, ransom note info.txt/info.html).
2. Terminate any AutoLocky processes and ensure the machine is clean.
3. Copy a small set (5–10) of representative encrypted files to a test folder.
4. Run the decryptor on the test set and verify successful recovery.
5. If successful, run the decryptor on the full dataset (from copies).
6. After recovery, restore files back to their original locations and verify integrity.

Common issues & fixes

• Decryptor reports “file not supported” or fails:
  • Ensure the sample truly matches AutoLocky (check extension and ransom note).
  • Try different versions of the decryptor (Emsisoft updates tools periodically).
• Decrypted files appear corrupted or incomplete:
  • Verify you used copies and test multiple file types. Some very small files may not decrypt correctly; exclude files <512 bytes when testing.
• Decryptor crashes or hangs:
  • Run as Administrator and disable conflicting security software temporarily.
  • Move the test files to a local folder with a short path (e.g., C: est) to avoid path-length issues.
• No progress / zero files decrypted:
  • Confirm the system was cleaned first; active ransomware can re-encrypt files.
  • Check whether files were partially overwritten/truncated by the ransomware (irrecoverable).
• Tool refuses to run (blocked by OS or AV):
  • Temporarily whitelist the decryptor in antivirus; verify the download checksum on Emsisoft’s page if available.

Verification & recovery validation

• Open several recovered files of different types (documents, images) to confirm integrity.
• Compare file sizes and metadata with backups if available.
• If some files fail, run targeted recovery only for those file types or use data-recovery tools (e.g., Recuva) on the original disk image.

If decryption fails entirely

• Preserve an image/backup of the encrypted disk and copies of ransom notes for future analysis.
• Check No More Ransom (https://www.nomoreransom.org) and Emsisoft blog for updated decryptors.
• Consider professional incident response if critical data is at risk.

Quick checklist (short)

• Disconnect → Clean system with AV → Backup encrypted files → Download official decryptor → Test on small set → If OK, decrypt all copies → Verify recovered files.

(Updated: February 6, 2026)