Volume Shadow Copy - Windows 11 Service
Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes. If this service is stopped, shadow copies will be unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. 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: | Volume Shadow Copy |
| Service name: | VSS |
| Type: | own |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\vssvc.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
Default Behavior
The Volume Shadow Copy service is running as LocalSystem in its own process of vssvc.exe. It doesn't share its process with other services. If Volume Shadow Copy fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the VSS service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Volume Shadow Copy is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type for Volume Shadow Copy
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreVolumeShadowCopyWindows11.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 vssvc.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.