How to Fix Volume Shadow Copy Service Not Working

Have you ever encountered the frustrating issue of Volume Shadow Copy Service not working in Windows 10? If so, you're not alone. Many Windows users have experienced difficulties with this essential feature, which is responsible for creating backups of your important files and data. In this guide, we will discuss the steps you can take to fix Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) issues and ensure that your backups are reliable and up-to-date. Additionally, we will introduce you to EaseUS Todo Backup, a professional and free backup solution that can help you safeguard your data.

Understanding Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS):

Before we dive into the troubleshooting steps, let's take a moment to understand what Volume Shadow Copy Service is and why it is crucial for your backup needs. VSS is a Windows service that allows you to create point-in-time backups of your files, even while they are in use. This means that even if a file is currently open or being edited, VSS can capture a snapshot of it and save it as part of your backup. By utilizing VSS, you can ensure that your backups are comprehensive and include all the files on your system.

The benefits of using VSS for data recovery are significant. In the event of a system failure or data loss, you can rely on VSS to restore your files to a previous state. This can be a lifesaver when dealing with accidental file deletions, corrupt system files, or even ransomware attacks. Without VSS, recovering lost data can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. By understanding the importance of VSS, you can appreciate the need to resolve any issues that may arise.

Checking and Enabling Volume Shadow Copy Service:

The first step in fixing VSS issues is to ensure that the service is enabled and running on your system. Here's how you can do it:

1. Accessing Task Manager:

Begin by right-clicking on the Taskbar and selecting "Task Manager" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.

2. Verifying VSS status:

In Task Manager, navigate to the "Services" tab. Look for "Volume Shadow Copy" in the list of services. If you can't find it or if it is listed as "Disabled," you'll need to manually enable it.

To manually enable VSS, follow these steps:

a) Increasing disk space on the system drive:

Insufficient disk space on the system drive can cause VSS to malfunction. To fix this, open File Explorer, right-click on the system drive (usually C:), select "Properties," and go to the "General" tab. Click on "Disk Cleanup" and remove unnecessary files to free up space.

b) Increasing disk space on the drive with Shadow Copy enabled:

If you have a separate drive dedicated to storing Shadow Copies, make sure it has enough available space. Right-click on the drive, select "Properties," and go to the "Shadow Copies" tab. If the drive is low on space, click on "Settings" and adjust the maximum size accordingly.

Reducing Event Log Size:

Another factor that can affect VSS functionality is the size of the Event Log. If the Event Log size exceeds a certain threshold, VSS may encounter issues. Here's how you can reduce the Event Log size:

1. Opening Event Viewer:

Search for "Event Viewer" in the Start menu and open it.

2. Adjusting Event Log size:

In Event Viewer, expand the "Windows Logs" section in the left sidebar and click on "Application." In the middle pane, right-click on any entry and select "Properties." In the "General" tab, click on "Clear Log" to delete the existing log entries. Afterward, go to the "Maximum log size" section and set it to 64 MB or less. Repeat these steps for the "Security" and "System" logs.

Enabling Directory Service Access Auditing:

Enabling Directory Service access auditing can also help resolve VSS issues. By auditing access to the Directory Service, you can monitor any changes made to your system and ensure that VSS functions correctly. Here's how you can enable Directory Service access auditing:

1. Opening Local Security Policy:

Search for "Local Security Policy" in the Start menu and open it.

2. Modifying Audit Policy settings:

In Local Security Policy, expand "Local Policies" and select "Audit Policy." In the right pane, double-click on "Audit directory service access" to modify its settings. Check the "Success" and "Failure" boxes and click "Apply" to save the changes.

In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed the steps you can take to fix Volume Shadow Copy Service not working issues in Windows 10. By checking and enabling VSS, reducing Event Log size, and enabling Directory Service access auditing, you can ensure that your backups are reliable and up-to-date. Additionally, we introduced you to EaseUS Todo Backup, a professional and free backup solution that can simplify the process of creating and managing backups on your Windows 10 system.

Remember, having a reliable backup solution is crucial in today's digital world. Whether it's accidental file deletions, system crashes, or even ransomware attacks, having a backup can save you from losing valuable data. By implementing the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing tools like EaseUS Todo Backup, you can enjoy hassle-free backups and peace of mind knowing that your data is protected. Don't wait until it's too late – take action now and safeguard your files with a reliable backup solu