Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider - Windows 11 Service
Manages software-based volume shadow copies taken by the Volume Shadow Copy service. If this service is stopped, software-based volume shadow copies cannot be managed. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 7, 8, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 11 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 23H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 24H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider |
| Service name: | swprv |
| Type: | own |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\svchost.exe -k swprv |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\swprv.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service is running as LocalSystem in its own process of svchost.exe. No other services run in the same process. If Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the swprv service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type for Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreMicrosoftSoftwareShadowCopyProviderWindows11.bat file to any folder on a local drive such as SSD or a hard disk.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Properties.
4. Check the Unblock checkbox and click OK.
5. Right-click the batch file again and select Run as administrator.
6. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the swprv.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.