How to Fix ‘Volume Shadow Copy Service Not Working’ issue in Windows

How to Fix ‘Volume Shadow Copy Service Not Working’ issue in Windows: Within Microsoft Windows, there is a mechanism known as Volume Shadow Copy Service that is built in. Users are able to create backups of their computer volumes with this tool. If this service is terminated, then all of the components that are dependent on the service will also be rendered inoperable. Numerous additional features that enable the automation of specific tasks are included in the Windows operating system. One example of this is the Volume Snapshot Service, also known as Volume Shadow Copy or VSS.

This is a built-in utility that gives users the ability to create backups of their files either manually or automatically. For the purpose of maintaining backups, this service takes snapshots of the files or volumes on the computer. In the event that the service is enabled and the File System is NTFS, it is likely that the Volume Shadows Copy Service error will still be present when the operating system is being backed up or restored. To assist you in resolving this issue, We have gathered a list of common mistakes and strategies to deal with them in the following article. Here are the ways how to Fix ‘Volume Shadow Copy Service Not Working’ issue in Windows.

Causes of the ‘Volume Shadow Copy Service Not Working’ issue in Windows

1. Storage Issues: Lack of disk space or issues with the storage where shadow copies are stored can lead to VSS problems.
2. VSS Writers or Providers Issues: Writers or providers responsible for creating shadow copies may encounter errors or become unstable.
3. Service-related Problems: The VSS service itself may be disabled, not running, or encountering conflicts with other services.
4. Software Conflicts: Other software or applications on the system might interfere with the proper functioning of VSS.
5. Corrupted System Files: Damage to critical system files or registry entries associated with VSS can result in errors.
6. Outdated VSS Version: Using an outdated version of VSS may lead to compatibility issues and errors.
7. Malware or Virus Infections: Malicious software can disrupt system services, including VSS, causing it to malfunction.
8. Incomplete Windows Updates: Missing or incomplete Windows updates may leave the system vulnerable to issues with VSS.

How to Fix ‘Volume Shadow Copy Service Not Working’ issue in Windows

Check VSS Service Status

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Locate ‘Volume Shadow Copy’ in the list of services.
4. Ensure that the service is set to ‘Automatic’ and is currently running. If not, right-click and start the service.

Verify VSS Dependencies

1. While in the Services window, right-click on ‘Volume Shadow Copy’ and select ‘Properties.’
2. Navigate to the ‘Dependencies‘ tab.
3. Ensure that the ‘Remote Procedure Call (RPC)‘ service is set to ‘Automatic‘ and is running.
4. Confirm that the ‘DCOM Server Process Launcher’ is set to ‘Automatic‘ and is running.

Restart VSS Writers

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’
2. Run the command: Vssadmin list writers.
3. Identify any writers in a failed state.
4. Restart the associated services using commands like net stop [service] and net start [service].

Check Disk Space

1. Ensure there is sufficient free space on all drives, especially the drive where the shadow copies are stored.
2. Open File Explorer, right-click on each drive, and check the available space.

Disable Anti-virus or Security Software

1. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or security software.
2. Retry creating a shadow copy to see if the issue persists.

Perform System File Checker (SFC) Scan

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the command: sfc /scannow
3. Allow the scan to complete and fix any detected issues.

Check for Windows Updates

1. Ensure your Windows operating system is up-to-date.
2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.

Conclusion

Through the use of Backup and Restore, you may secure your computer by backing up your system or files, but you will also receive a Volume Error with the Shadow Copy Service? This post will walk you through a few particular Windows VSS faults, along with the answers to those mistakes, as well as an easy technique to keep your computer secure, which will allow you to easily restore the computer to its former condition in the event that there is an accident with the system. Shadow Copy is a technology that is included in Microsoft Windows that gives users the ability to create backups or snapshots of computer volumes or data either manually or automatically.

Questions and Answers