Shadow Copy

Shadow Copy
Other names
  • Volume Snapshot Service[1]
  • Previous Versions
  • Shadow Copies for Shared Folders8
  • VSS[2]
Developer(s)Microsoft
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
Service nameVSS[2]

Shadow Copy (also known as Volume Snapshot Service,[1] Volume Shadow Copy Service[2] or VSS[2]) is a technology included in Microsoft Windows that can create backup copies or snapshots of computer files or volumes, even when they are in use. It is implemented as a Windows service called the Volume Shadow Copy service. A software VSS provider service is also included as part of Windows to be used by Windows applications. Shadow Copy technology requires either the Windows NTFS or ReFS filesystems in order to create and store shadow copies. Shadow Copies can be created on local and external (removable or network) volumes by any Windows component that uses this technology, such as when creating a scheduled Windows Backup or automatic System Restore point.

  1. ^ a b "Volume Snapshot Service (VSS)". Glossary. Symantec. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d "Volume Shadow Copy Service Overview". MSDN Library. Microsoft. 5 November 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2013.