Fixed: Windows Server Backup Service Missing in 2008, 2012, 2016

Windows Server Backup Service Missing

Have you encountered the similar issue that Windows Server Backup Service disappeared or does not work as it should? In some cases, you may get a different return message saying: Backup failed to complete. Windows Backup failed to create the shared protection point on the source volume.

You may also find the trouble in Windows Server 2008 or 2012 (R2). Anyway, it is the problem of backup service missing or not working in Windows Server. Let’s get to know how to find out the Windows Server Backup Service and make it available.

How to Fix Windows Server Backup Service Missing in 2016/2012/2008

In the first place, please make sure that you have installed the Windows Server Backup Service on your Server. If not, open Server Manager, and then go Manage > Add roles and functionalities > Features > Windows Server Backup. Click Yes and then Install to get it installed. To get installed backup service back to work, you can try following solutions.

Do Fresh Install Using Powershell Commands

Open Powershell as administrator and input following commands. Press Enter after each command.

• Uninstall-WindowsFeature Windows-Server-Backup -Remove -Restart

• Install-WindowsFeature Windows-Server-Backup -Restart

These commands will remove the payload and force it to download a fresh copy. Note that the Server will reboot after.

Install Windows NLB

Here is a trick that you have to install Network Load Balancing (NLB) before you install the WSB according the tested experience from Server users. To fix Windows Home Server Backup service not running:

1. Uninstall the Windows Server Backup service if you’ve installed before.

2. Install the Network Load Balancing service on your Server. The steps are similar to Windows Server Backup Service installation.

3. Install the Windows Server Backup again.

4. Reboot your Server.

As you can see, it is quite easy to find Windows Server Backup service and make it work. After that, you should be able to create basic or full backup for Windows Server.

Need Windows Server Backup Service Alternative?

The Windows Server Backup service missing problem could be solved easily. Nevertheless, some users would like an equivalent for Windows built-in backup service due to Windows Server Backup limitations. For example, you may find WSB cannot work with volume greater than 2TB properly in Server 2008 R2.

Fortunately, there is reliable and powerful backup software, AOMEI Backupper Server, which is designed for Windows Server operating systems in particular. Let's have a look at its main features:

Backup solutions

It offers multiple backup solutions, including system backup, disk backup, partition backup, and file backup. With these backup solutions, you could create various backup tasks for your Server in different situations. 

Backup schedule

It allows you to set the backup tasks to run at fixed intervals, such as daily, weekly, and monthly. You can also have the backup tasks to run based on special events using "Event triggers" or "USB plug in".

Backup scheme

It will delete old backup images automatically to help you free up disk space. There are four backup schemes available.

Other features

• Full, incremental and differential backup are supportable. The last two backup modes are perfect choices for saving destination disk space.

• Email notification, backup image encryption, and image compression features are embedded with the software. 

• The “Create Bootable Media” function allows you to backup hard drive without booting Windows. 

Such a helpful tool it is, why don’t you have a try?

How to Create Backup for Windows Server in Simple Steps

This part will take creating system backup image on Windows Server for example. To backup to NAS, Cloud, network share, or external storage, please make sure you can access it successfully. Try it free for 30 days.

1. Install and run AOMEI Backupper Server. Click Backup and then System Backup.

2. The boot related drive(s) and system drive are selected by default. Click to choose the destination path.

3. Click Schedule Backup, Backup Scheme and Options to set custom configurations for your task if you wish to.

4. Click Start Backup to execute the task.

Tips: To restore backup images in the future, click Restore and then follow the wizard.

★ More advanced way to perform Windows Server backup

If you want one key system backup & restore solution for your server, you can turn to AOMEI OneKey Recovery. It allows you to backup system to a custom recovery partition which is accessible from Windows PE.

Conclusion

When you find the Windows Server Backup service missing in Server 2016/2012/2008, don’t be panic. All you need is an installing of Windows Network Load Balancing (NLB). However, to protect your Windows Server with better and more efficient backup solution, AOMEI Backupper Server edition is recommended.

The software will help you protect system and data in all-round, from file backup, system backup to system clone and bootable rescue media. It also allows you to perform Windows Server bare metal recovery.  And if you want to protect unlimited PCs and servers within your company, you may choose AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus. It offers unlimited billable technical services to clients. It also enables you to copy installation directory for portable version creation.