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VSS Error on Windows 10: Fix it With These 7 Methods
Get your device backup working again
5 min. read
Updated onDecember 5, 2023
updated onDecember 5, 2023
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Key notes
In this article, we explore the Windows 10 VSS error. VSS is the Volume Shadow Copy Service in Windows that automatically backs up file snapshots and storage volumes even when files are in use.
Volume Shadow Copy is essential to Windows backup andSystem Restore utilities. As such, you might get a Volume Shadow Copy error for a system image backup or when rolling Windows back to a restore point.
If a Volume Shadow Copy Service error pops up, the System Restore utility won’t restore Windows. Furthermore, the Windows backup tool might not work when you try to copy files to an external USB drive.
What causes a VSS error on Windows 10?
From many users’ experiences, we figured a few elements would trigger this error. Among these are the following:
Let us explore some top fixes for the Windows 10 VSS error.
How do I fix the Volume Shadow Copy Service error?
1. Start the Volume Shadow Copy service
2. Erase junk files for all drive partitions
Some users have fixed VSS errors by utilizingDisk Clean-upin Windows to erase junk files. You’ll need to scan each partition with a disk clean utility if you have two or more drive partitions.
There are numerousthird-party utility softwareyou can delete junk files with, but this is how you can utilize Disk Clean-up in Windows 10.
One of the most reliable third-party utility software you can try using is Wise Disk Cleaner, as it can significantly make your computer run faster by deleting junk files and other items that take up significant hard disk space.
⇒Get Wise Disk Cleaner
3. Switch off the Windows Firewall
Note: Turn off the Windows Firewall to ensure it isn’t interfering with VSS.
4. Disable anti-virus software
In addition to switching off the Windows Firewall, disablethird-party anti-virussoftware. You can temporarily switch off the anti-virus by right-clicking the system tray icons and selecting a disable option.
However, if you can’t find a disable option on the system tray context menu, open the anti-virus software’s main window to select a switch-off option.
5. Expand Volume Shadow Copy storage space
Note: VSS errors can be due to a lack of storage space for shadow copies. So allocating more storage space for shadow copies can fix VSS errors.
6. Remove third-party backup software
Somethird-party backup softwareutilizes its own VSS components to create shadow copies. For example, Acronis Backup has its own VSS writer.
Third-party backup software with VSS components can conflict with Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service. Thus, uninstalling third-party backup utilities can fix numerous VSS errors.
We strongly recommend removing the backup utilities with athird-party uninstallerthat will erase leftover registry entries.This is a Windows gadget that allows you to uninstall software more thoroughly.
When you uninstall the software from the Control Panel, sometimes you won’t delete all the associated files. An uninstaller can find and remove these junk files and hidden or broken shortcuts from a previously uninstalled program.
7. Erase orphaned shadows
Note: VSS errors can also be due to the accumulation of orphaned shadows in Windows.
Some of those resolutions should fix VSS errors on your desktop or laptop so you can utilize System Restore and other Windows backup utilities.
If you have any othersystem backup errors, check out this post.
Let us know in the comments what worked best for you.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
