How to Disable Shadow Copies

Volume shadow copy is a feature available in Windows Vista Ultimate, Business and Enterprise editions as well as Windows 7. This feature automatically creates a backup of your files so you can retrieve them if they accidentally get deleted or if you need to recover a file to a previous version. This feature also works with system restore to return your computer to a previous state. Volume shadow copy can be disabled through your Microsoft management console.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" on the taskbar.

2. Type "Services" into the text box and then press the "Enter" key.

3. Locate "Volume Shadow Copy" in the services list.

4. Right-click "Volume Shadow Copy" and then select "Stop."

5. Close the services window.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft recommends that volume shadow copy is never disabled since you will no longer have restore and recovery options available to you.

References

• Microsoft: Shadow Copy
• Microsoft Answers: How Do I Turn Off Shadow Copy?

Resources

• Microsoft TechNet: How Volume Shadow Copy Service Works