Volume Shadow Copy - Windows 8 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, 11, 7, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 8 edition | Windows 8 | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1 Update 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Pro | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Enterprise | 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 runs as LocalSystem in its own process of vssvc.exe. It does not share its process with other services. If Volume Shadow Copy fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 8 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the VSS service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Volume Shadow Copy won't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Volume Shadow Copy
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreVolumeShadowCopyWindows8.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer.
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 8 installation media.