Using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Technology for Consistent Backups

Using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy technology for consistent backups is a wise way to protect data. Read here for another professional solution for automated consistent backups.

By @Lori
Last Updated March 28, 2025

Data loss can strike at the worst times—whether due to system crashes, accidental deletions, or malware attacks. That’s why consistent and reliable backups are a must. But what’s the best way to ensure backups don’t miss critical data? 

With Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Technology (VSS), you can take snapshots of files, databases, and entire system states without downtime. This means your applications keep running smoothly while your data is being backed up. 

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Technology for consistent backups, explore different backup methods, and introduce AOMEI Cyber Backup—a powerful backup solution.

What is Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service?

Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service, also known as VSS (Volume Snapshot Service), is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to create snapshots of files and system volumes. These snapshots capture data at a particular moment, ensuring backup consistency even if the files are actively in use.

❓ Why Use VSS for Backups?

  • Ensures Data Consistency – Prevents data corruption during backups.
  • Supports Open Files – No need to close applications while backing up.
  • Fast and Efficient – Snapshots are created instantly without affecting system performance.
  • Works with Various Backup Solutions – Compatible with Windows Backup, third-party tools, and enterprise solutions.

How to Enable/Use Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service for Consistent Backups

VSS can be used to back up local volumes in both clustered and non-clustered environments. However, it is only supported on NTFS (New Technology File System) and ReFS (Resilient File System) volumes. It does not work on FAT or FAT32 volumes.

If the Windows operating system fails to create a shadow copy, the backup will automatically switch to a regular backup mode, and an error message will be logged in the Event Viewer.

Additionally, when VSS is enabled, locked database files may still be backed up in an inconsistent state.

Prerequisites Before Enabling VSS

Before setting up VSS, ensure the following:

✅ If you have third-party snapshot providers but prefer using the Microsoft VolSnap provider, add the nUseVSSSoftwareProvider setting on the client computer.

✅ Ensure sufficient free disk space on the volume. The space required depends on:

  • Backup duration
  • Amount of data changes occurring during the backup

VSS snapshots work by capturing disk blocks being modified during the backup process. If a backup takes longer or experiences high disk activity, more data blocks are copied, leading to increased disk space usage.

How to Enable VSS for Backups

Follow these steps to enable VSS backups in the CommCell Console:

🔹 Step 1: Navigate to the Backup Settings

  1. Open the CommCell Console.

  2. Expand Client Computers > [Your Client] > File System > Backup Set.

  3. Right-click the relevant subclient and select Properties.

🔹 Step 2: Enable VSS and Configure Backup Options

  1. In the Subclient Properties dialog box, check the Use VSS options box.

  2. Choose your preferred backup settings:

Option Description
Use VSS for all files Ensures backups use a VSS snapshot instead of the live volume. If VSS fails, you can decide whether to fail the job or continue with alternative methods.
Fail the job If the VSS snapshot cannot be created, the backup fails.
Continue and reset access time Backs up files directly from the live volume while maintaining access time records.
Continue without resetting access time (Default) Backs up data from the live volume, but file access times remain unchanged until the backup completes.

🔹 Step 3: Configure VSS for Locked Files

  • For locked or in-use files – Use VSS only for backing up files that are locked by system processes or applications.

  • For DFS-R nodes – Select this option to back up Distributed File System Replication (DFS-R) nodes, which may be locked during replication.

📌Note:✎...
When backing up DFS-R nodes, the DFS-R configuration is included in a system state backup.

🔹 Step 4: Save Your Settings

Click OK to apply the changes and enable Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) backups.

How to Use AOMEI Cyber Backup for Consistent Backups

While Windows offers built-in backup tools, they often lack the flexibility and automation needed for seamless data protection. AOMEI Cyber Backup steps in with flexibility, automation, and advanced features.

AOMEI Cyber Backup provides a robust solution for backing up virtual machines (VMs) on both free and paid versions of VMware ESXi and Hyper-V. During the backup process, it will stop any write access and take snapshots for backup automatically, ensuring that all VM data remains consistent and intact.

AOMEI Cyber Backup
Free, Easy, Centralized VM Backup Solution
  • Free VMware & Hyper-V VMs protection.
  • Agentless, automatic backup virtual machines.
  • Fast VM recovery with minimal downtime.
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Use AOMEI Cyber Backup for Virtual Machine Backups

Step 1: Install & Set Up Backup Source

  1. Open AOMEI Cyber Backup and add your Hyper-V, vCenter, or standalone ESXi host as the source device.

  2. You can install the software on either Windows or Linux.

Step 2: Create a New Backup Task

  • Click “Create New Task” to start a new backup process.
  • Enter a backup task name and select the device and virtual machines to back up.

  • Choose a backup storage location (local or network storage).

  • Enable archiving to store backups in Amazon S3 for long-term protection.
  • Set up an automated backup schedule to run at specific times.

  • Click “Start Backup” to begin the process.

Step 3: Restore a Virtual Machine

  • If needed, select a backup and click “Restore” to bring back a VM instantly.
  • Restore the virtual machine to its original location with ease.

While the Free Edition covers most backup needs, upgrading unlocks advanced capabilities:

⭐ Batch VM Backup – Back up multiple VMs at once in vCenter or standalone ESXi hosts.
⭐ Backup Cleanup – Set a retention policy to automatically delete old backups, saving storage space.
⭐ Restore to a New Location – Clone a VM to another host or datastore without reinstalling anything.

With AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can securely back up multiple virtual machines, ensuring data consistency and protection. Plus, its instant VM recovery feature helps you restore a system without needing to reinstall applications or reconfigure settings.

Conclusion

Using Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Technology for consistent backups is one of the best ways to ensure your data remains safe and uncorrupted, even while applications are running.

Whether you choose Windows' built-in tools or go for a professional solution like AOMEI Cyber Backup, the key is regular, automated backups. Don’t wait for a disaster—start securing your data today!

FAQs About Volume Shadow Copy Service

1. What is the main advantage of using VSS for backups?

VSS ensures that backups capture a consistent state of your system, even if files are open and in use.

2. Does VSS work on all versions of Windows?

VSS is available on Windows XP and later versions, but some advanced features are only in Windows Server editions.

3. Can I restore files from a VSS snapshot?

Yes! Right-click a file or folder, select Previous Versions, and restore an earlier version from a snapshot.

4. How often should I create backups using VSS?

It depends on your needs. For critical data, daily or hourly backups are recommended.

5. Is AOMEI Cyber Backup better than Windows Backup?

Yes! AOMEI Cyber Backup provides more automation, flexibility, and advanced features, making it a superior choice for business and personal backups.