Despite 2025 being the latest year in the age of the digital era where information is everywhere and accessible almost instantly further accentuate by the likes of AI assistant that literally hands over “tips and tricks” on a silver platter to their users, perhaps humanity will still be gullible as time goes on, as one of the latest dirty tricked pulled off by some sussy Chinese operators proved just that.
According to HKEPC following on Application Inn’s report, apparently there’s this “Windows Reinstaller” tool floating around the Chinese social media circle as well as various websites. Whether it actually downloaded a fresh ISO copy of a Windows image is another story, as users reported that after the tool has been launched, it just transitioned into the settings reset screen, hoping to dupe non-tech-savvy users via these “lookalike reboot visuals”.
After finishing its process, the system will be booted to the desktop showing a “Congratulations, your Windows has been reinstalled. Please pay CN¥98 through this QR Code”. And if they don’t, they are practically barred from even using the PC.
While some users paid up the ninety-eight and did regained access, they also found a bunch of junkware silently installed in the back. While no further info was elaborated about this, it is probably be as simple as adware or as destructive as malware/keylogger.
So yeah, “Windows Reinstaller” is just a pseudo-ransomware that preys on “cats” with a load of “curiosity”; therefore, for any user that needs some PC help, do consult the right people before making any move.
