Insufficient storage space for shadow copy.

Kenneth Starick 286 Reputation points
2026-06-19T00:17:56.7766667+00:00

Using Windows 11, but still the old inbuilt back-up Windows 7.

Never had any problems until now, but I know some people say change to something else.

Ran back-up this week, and received error as per image below.

Screenshot (2)

Ran vssadmin list shadowstorage, as per image below.

Screenshot (1)

Looks like the problem is with drive G, which is my removable back-up drive.

Allocated shadow copy storage space has mostly been used up. Plenty of disk space available.

Have tried internet for solutions, but all beyond me.

Spent 1.5 hours this morning with Microsoft support, to no avail.

Anyone able to help, before I get in a technician?

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
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Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh Srinivasan 88,100 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-19T01:52:18.8133333+00:00

Hi Kenneth,

Please see if clearing the existing shadow copies resolves the issue. To do so, run the following command from Command Prompt admin.

vssadmin delete shadows /all

If the problem persists, download Acronis VSS Doctor (free) and run it. Attach the log file in your next reply.

Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Important: The Windows Backup feature hasn't been updated in years, and Microsoft has already deprecated the tool.

From Microsoft: Windows 7 Backup and Restore deprecated - Compatibility Cookbook | Microsoft Learn

While there is no behavioral change to Backup and Restore, this function is being deprecated and will not be updated. It was rarely used and its functionality has been replaced by the new File History feature.

Deprecated features in the Windows client - What's new in Windows | Microsoft Learn

System Image Backup (SIB) Solution This feature is also known as the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) legacy control panel.

For full-disk backup solutions, look for a third-party product from another software publisher. You can also use OneDrive to sync data files with Microsoft 365.

A third-party backup solution, such as Hasleo, AOMEI Backupper, EaseUS, or Macrium Reflect (not free of charge), is recommended for enhanced reliability.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-19T00:18:15.4333333+00:00

    The error occurs because the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) shadow‑copy storage area on the backup drive is nearly full, even though the drive itself has free space. Increase or reset the shadow‑copy storage allocation for that drive.

    Use an elevated Command Prompt (Run as administrator):

    1. Display current shadow‑copy storage: 
         vssadmin list shadowstorage
      Confirm the entry that references the G: volume.
    2. Increase the maximum shadow‑copy storage size for G: (example: 50 GB): 
         vssadmin resize shadowstorage /For=G: /On=G: /MaxSize=50GB
      Adjust 50GB to a value appropriate for the size of the backup drive. Alternatively, to cap it at a percentage of the drive: 
         vssadmin resize shadowstorage /For=G: /On=G: /MaxSize=20%
    3. Run the backup again from “Back up and Restore (Windows 7)”.

    Note: Resizing shadow‑copy storage may cause older shadow copies on that drive to be deleted when the new limit is applied.

    References:

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