Volume Shadow Copy or VSS is the snapshot creating service of Microsoft that quickly creates the
Data snapshot in a specific volume that can be used for the process of restoration. On the other hand, System Restore is the tool that enables the user to load back your windows to an earlier state of the machine where there is smoothness in the performance. It is used to bypass an unavoidable error that occurs on Windows 10. Sometimes these files get corrupted or take large storage space on a machine, creating lags in computer and performance slow down issues.
There are two kinds of shadow copies located on Windows 10, namely VssAdmin and DiskShadow. Restore points can be easily removed along with these files using any of the three methods:
Disk Clean-up
System Properties
Command Prompt
Choose any of the methods listed below and then remove these files from your device to solve the PC lagging issues:
Deleting Restore and Shadow Copies Using Disk Cleanup Tool
At the start, hit the Window Logo tab.
Then, enter “cleanmgr” into the provided search bar.
Now, tap the Enter key to proceed.
Choose the drive C and then hit the OK button there.
Hit the Clean-Up System Files option from the upcoming wizard.
A prompt box will appear, and you have to tap the OK button.
Choose the More Options tab from the next window.
Next, hit the Cleanup option.
Once the verification prompt appears on your screen, tap the Delete button. It may take several minutes to complete the procedure. You need to wait patiently on your couch.
At last, reboot the device.
Removing System Restore and Shadow Copies through Command Prompt
Cmd Prompt is another quick method for removing shadow copies to run the Elevated Command Prompt’s path. To do so, you have to pursue these guidelines:
At the start, hit these keys simultaneously: Window and S.
Then, enter cmd.exe into the search panel.
After that, tap the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys in one go.
Once the UAC prompt appears for confirmation, hit the Yes tab there.
Enter the following commands:
Vss_admin-delete_shadows\\for_For_Volume-Spec/*
Note: You have to replace the sign of asterisk (*) with any of the mentioned choices:
“/oldest”- Remove the earliest shadow copy.
“all”- Remove all the specified volume’s shadow copies.
“ShadowID” – Used to remove the shadow copy via ShadowID.
“/quiet” – It is used to mention no messages are returning after completing the command.
Once you have read the above-guided steps, press the Enter key there.
Tap the Y button once asked to select the Yes option between Yes or No.
When the shadow copies are removed successfully, you will view the confirmation alert into the prompt screen.
Using System Properties
You may easily remove all the unnecessary restore points using the window of System Properties. To do so, follow these steps:
First of all, hit the Window key and Q tab.
Then, enter “sysdm.cpl” into the search panel without quoting them.
Now, press the Enter key to proceed.
Once the System Properties Window comes into view, then move to the section of System Protection.
Reach to the section “Protection Settings.”
Hit the desired disk panel i.e. Local Disk System (C:)
Tap the Configure button there.
Choose the Delete option.
Press the Continue tab once the verification message prompts on the screen.
Wait for a while until you get the System Restore and Shadow Copy files are removed successfully.
Conclusion
System Restore is an important tool that enables the user to load back the earlier state of Windows OS to remove unnecessary files and malicious data for bypassing unavoidable glitches from the computer. On the other hand, Shadow Copy or Volume Snapshot Service or VSS is another useful technology provided by MS Windows to create backup files or snapshots of computer files or important volumes even when they are not in use. It is recommended to remove both the files if your computer starts to perform sluggish or flashing errors. You may use the System Properties window, Command Prompt, or Disk Cleanup Tool to remove these errors.
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