Until you pay, an unofficial Windows reinstaller tool prevents you from using your Windows 11 computer.

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Microsoft apps may be able to be uninstalled natively in Windows 11 version 25H2, according to rumors. For those who detest the concept of "bloat," this will undoubtedly be a welcome addition. A "cleaner" computer should naturally operate better than a "dirtier" one that hasn't been reinstalled or reset in a while, so recent testing has revealed that such bloat may not actually matter all that much. This should raise some eyebrows.

Therefore, if your rig is already fairly decent and you do not sense any slowness, you are likely wasting time if you are looking to do so.

Nevertheless, you must exercise caution to avoid becoming a victim of the "Windows Reinstall Master" tool, an unofficial Windows reinstaller, if you wish to proceed with a Windows reset.

Targeting non-techies who might not understand how Windows installations and reinstallations operate, the program has been making the rounds in the Chinese community.

This scam tool works by reinstalling Windows, but it prevents the user from restarting and accessing the operating system again unless the victim makes a payment. Though the fees are much lower, this is somewhat comparable to ransomware. Although the Windows 11 upgrade is free, the software charges 98 RMB (Chinese Yuan), or around US$13. This is essentially the installation service fee.

The lock-out screen reads as follows:

Congratulations, you have completed the reinstallation of the Windows system. Please pay the reinstallation service fee.

Payment method: WeChat Pay, Alipay

Price payable: 98 yuan

Chinese Windows Reinstall master app locking the victim out until they pay
If the user had originally intended to reset Windows in order to remove the clutter and bloat, this does not help the situation, if anything worsens it. This is because the scam software not only installs Windows but also a number of other junkware. The other pointless apps are Microsoft VSCode and PotPlayer, both of which are free.

Because Microsoft is shortly to stop supporting Windows 10, there is a greater chance that victims may fall for this scam. As a result, customers will likely be eager to upgrade to Windows 11, and if the upgrade does not go as planned, they may turn to the wrong places for assistance.
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