How to Disable Shadow Copy in Windows 10
In the fast-paced digital world, data protection is of paramount importance. One of the features that Windows 10 offers to ensure data backup and recovery is Shadow Copy, also known as Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). However, there might be instances where you want to disable this feature for various reasons. This article will guide you through the process of how to disable shadow copy in Windows 10.
Understanding Shadow Copy
Shadow Copy is a built-in Windows feature that allows you to create and save copies of files and folders at specific points in time. These copies, known as “shadow copies,” can be used to restore files and folders to a previous state in case of accidental deletion, corruption, or other issues. While this feature is quite useful, there are situations where you may want to disable it, such as when you are running out of disk space or experiencing performance issues.
Disabling Shadow Copy in Windows 10
To disable Shadow Copy in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Press the “Windows” key and type “Services” in the search bar. Click on “Services” from the search results to open the Services window.
2. In the Services window, scroll down and find the “Volume Shadow Copy” service. Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
3. In the Volume Shadow Copy Properties window, you will see a “Startup type” dropdown menu. Select “Disabled” from the list.
4. Click on the “Stop” button to stop the Volume Shadow Copy service if it is currently running.
5. Click “OK” to save the changes and close the Properties window.
Alternative Method: Using Group Policy
If you are using a Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise edition, you can also disable Shadow Copy using the Group Policy Editor. Here’s how:
1. Press the “Windows” key and type “Group Policy Editor” in the search bar. Click on “Group Policy Editor” from the search results.
2. In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
3. In the right pane, find the “Shadow Copies: Allow removable media to shadow copy” policy. Double-click on it.
4. Select “Disabled” from the dropdown menu and click “OK” to save the changes.
5. Close the Group Policy Editor window.
Conclusion
Disabling Shadow Copy in Windows 10 can be beneficial in certain scenarios. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable the feature and manage your system’s performance and storage more effectively. However, keep in mind that disabling Shadow Copy may affect your data backup and recovery options, so weigh the pros and cons before making the decision.
