Volume Shadow Copy is a technology that creates consistent snapshots of volumes on Windows operating systems.

However, you may frequently find that shadow copies are lost during backup.

Why does this issue occur?

In this guide fromMiniTool Website, we will discuss the causes and solutions for you.

The snapshot creation process is initiated and overseen by the Volume Shadow Copy service.

To create and store shadow copies on local and external volumes, a file system bang out ofNTFSorReFSis needed.

However, at times, shadow copies might be lost when you attempt to make a backup.

Without further delay, lets dive into it right now!

This tool is targeted at providing professional data protection and disaster recovery solutions with simple steps.

Apart fromsystem backupanddata backup, MiniTool ShadowMaker also supportscloning HDD to SSDormoving Windows to another drivefor better system performance.

Install MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition for free and then launch it.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2.

In theBackuppage, you’ve got the option to opt for backup source and destination.

To backup other items, hitSOURCEto determinewhat to backup.

Backup destination go toDESTINATION.

Usually, we tend to choose an external hard drive or USB flash drive as the storage path.

Either click onBack Up Nowto start the task immediately or hitBack Up Laterto delay the backup.

you’re free to view the delayed task in theManagepage.

How to Fix Shadow Copies Are Lost During Backup on Windows 10/11?

Fix 1: Restart Volume Shadow Copy Service

The Volume Shadow Copy service depends on various processes.

To do so:

Step 1.

Typeservices.mscand click onOKto openServices.

Scroll through the services list to findVolume Shadow Copyand right-hit it to choosePropertiesto check its status.

If this service is running, stop it and then resume it.

If it is not running, click onStart.

Click onApply&OKto make the change effective.

Heres how to do it:

Step 1.

Right-hit theStarticon to selectRun.

Navigate to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SPP\CreateTimeout

Step 4.

Double-punch theCreateTimeoutvalue > set theValue datato1200000(equals to 20 minutes) > tickDecimal> hitOKto save the changes.

You may find that vssvc.exe is running in Task Manager and causes high disk usage or high memory issue.

This post tells you what it is and how to fix the issue.

Fix 3: Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily

Step 1.

Go toUpdate & Security>Windows Security>Virus & threat protection.

Click onManage settingsand then toggle offReal-time protection.

What if Windows Defender keeps turning on in Windows 11/10?

They store data on the source volume.

In some cases, shadow copies are lost during backup because certain VSS writers are failed or unstable.

Heres how to check the status of all VSS writers:

Step 1.

PressWin+Sto evoke the search bar.

Typecmdto locateCommand Promptand right-tap on it to chooseRun as administrator.

In the command window, typevssadmin list writersand tap onEnterto list all VSS writers and their status.

Check each writersStateandLast errorto see if any writer is failed or unstable.

If there are any failed writers, mark and copy their names.

Then, find the VSS writers associated services or dependencies and restart them.

After that, run another backup to see if shadow copies are lost during backup.

Therefore, you oughta double-check there is sufficient free space on the drive.

To do so:

Step 1.

Go toThis PCand locate the drive that stores the snapshots of the files or volumes underDevices and drives.

Right-select this drive to selectPropertiesfrom the context menu and then you could view the unused & free disk space.

Option 1: Delete Old Shadow Copies

Step 1.

Launch an elevatedCommand Prompt.

Runvssadmin list shadowsto see a list of shadow copies you created and note down theirShadow Copy ID.

Step 3. initiate the following commands according to your needs:

Step 4.

After completion, typeexitand hitEnterto quitCommand Prompt.

You may want to delete shadow copies to free up space in your Windows 11/10/Server.

How to do that?

This post provides 4 ways with detailed steps for you.

To do so:

Step 1.

LaunchCommand Promptas an administrator.

Typevssadmin list shadowstorageand hitEnterto list all shadow copy storage associations on your machine.

Step 3. jot down the following command to increase the shadow copy storage space to 5 GB and hitEnter.

you’re able to replace5GBwith the amount of space you want to increase.

vssadmin resize shadowstorage /for=C: /on=C: /maxsize=5GB

Step 4.

After the process is done, recreate a backup to see if shadow copy missing still persists.

My shadow copies disappeared a few moments ago.

Thanks to this guide, I finally create a backup without errors.

The backup software MiniTool ShadowMaker assists me in backing up my files and system just with a few clicks.

Also, you might easily create backups with another VSS alternative MiniTool ShadowMaker.

We will reply to you as soon as possible.

Shadow Copies Are Lost During Backup FAQ