vssadmin
CautionVolume Shadow Copies
vssadmin list shadows
Lists VSS snapshots; 'list writers' diagnoses backup failures at the writer level.
Examples
vssadmin list writersCheck VSS writer statesvssadmin list shadowstorageShadow storage usage and limitvssadmin resize shadowstorage /for=C: /on=C: /maxsize=10%Change the storage limitvssadmin list providersRegistered VSS providers
Syntax
vssadmin [list shadows|list writers]
Key points
- In list writers, State [1] Stable with Last error No error is healthy. Failed or Timed out writers are what break backups.
- Restarting the service behind a failed writer often clears it (for example SQL Server VSS Writer).
- Old shadow copies are deleted automatically when the storage limit is reached.
When it does not work
- If the list is empty or hangs, check the Volume Shadow Copy and COM+ System Application services.
- It must run elevated.
Before you run it
Deleting shadows removes restore points.
Related commands
- chkdskCheck/repair a disk
- Get-ServiceServices (PS)
The same reference, with no signal at all
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