WINDOWS SERVICE
VSS: Volume Shadow Copy
Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
| Service name | VSS |
|---|---|
| Display name | Volume Shadow Copy |
| Runs from | C:\Windows\System32\vssvc.exe |
| Command line | vssvc.exe |
| Runs as | LocalSystem |
| Verdict | Leave it alone |
| Microsoft, Windows Server 2016 guidance | No guidance |
Paths, signer and service account observed on Windows 11 build 26300 on 11 November 2026. Run the commands below to check your own PC.
Should you touch it?
Leave it aloneMicrosoft states that if it is stopped, shadow copies become unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. Its default startup type is Manual, so it runs only while something needs a shadow copy: on the PC used for this page it was stopped. Disabling it saves nothing and breaks whatever backup asks for it next.
What PC Tweaker does with it
PC Tweaker does not change this service. No control in the catalogue stops it, disables it or edits its start type.
Check it yourself
See its state and start type
PowerShellGet-Service VSS | Format-List Name, DisplayName, Status, StartType sc qc VSS
Common questions
What is vssvc.exe?
The program this service runs. On Windows 11 build 26300 it is C:\Windows\System32\vssvc.exe, signed by Microsoft Windows, with the file description Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service. On that PC it was not running at the time: the service starts it when a shadow copy is requested.
What does the VSS service do?
Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes. It runs C:\Windows\System32\vssvc.exe (vssvc.exe) as LocalSystem.
Can I disable VSS?
Leave it alone. Microsoft states that if it is stopped, shadow copies become unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. Its default startup type is Manual, so it runs only while something needs a shadow copy: on the PC used for this page it was stopped. Disabling it saves nothing and breaks whatever backup asks for it next.
How do I see the shadow copies on my PC?
From a Command Prompt opened as administrator, vssadmin list shadows lists the existing shadow copies and vssadmin list writers lists the programs registered to take part in them.