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Resize Shadow Copy Storage Max Size Below 10%

Anonymous
2024-08-23T02:23:28+00:00

Hi there,

I am currently attempting to set the MaxSize value for shadowstorage below 10% using vssadmin but am unable to.

This is something that has worked previously in our environment. I understand Microsoft's recommended minimum is 10% of the volume size, however it can be useful for older systems that operate on limited disk space where the service isn't necessarily required to shrink further than 10%.

The command being used in question is vssadmin resize shadowstorage /On=C: /For=C: /MaxSize=5%

After entering the command I receive the "Successfully resized the shadow copy storage association" message as normal. However, when re-running vssadmin list shadowstorage the size remains the same. I have also attempted specifying the GB amount with the same result.

I am able to increase the size over 10% and then decrease back to 10%, just not below. This happens on both Windows 10 & 11 systems and has been tested on multiple machines.

We are not applying any registry keys to manage this.

Unsure if there has been a change made by Microsoft to prevent this decrease in the past few months. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-09-03T05:34:01+00:00

    Hi Martin,

    Thanks for the reply!

    1. Check Free Disk Space: This has been tested on laptops with low disk space and high disk space with the same outcome.
    2. Use Absolute Size Instead of Percentage: Using absolute size produces the same result
    3. Event Logs and System Information: VSS logs don't appear to be getting captured. At least in the area you mentioned.
    4. Choose Disable system protection to turn off System Restore for that drive. - I forgot to mention that we actually already have VSS disabled via GPO but the service still seems to be running on each system. I have re-enabled it via GPO and tested resizing again but the outcome is still the same. I have also attempted disabling it through advanced system settings GUI but the service continues running and consuming space with that method as well.

    I will do as you suggested and submit feedback with Microsoft.

    Thanks,

    Oliver

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-24T04:11:49+00:00

    Dear Oliver_755,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community.

    I understand you're experiencing difficulties in setting the MaxSize value for shadow storage below 10% using vssadmin on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems. I appreciate the detailed information you've provided, and I'm here to help you resolve this issue.

    As you mentioned, Microsoft's recommended minimum for shadow copy storage is 10% of the volume size. However, the need to set a smaller percentage is understandable, especially for systems with limited disk space. The issue you're encountering, where the size does not register correctly below the 10% threshold, has been noted.

    Let's explore some potential steps and workarounds:

    1. Check Free Disk Space: Ensure there is adequate free space on the volume C:. Sometimes, shadow copies require a specific minimum free space to function properly. This may affect the ability to resize storage below the recommended threshold.
    2. Use Absolute Size Instead of Percentage: Sometimes specifying the size in GB, rather than a percentage, can yield different results. You've mentioned trying this, but for clarity, the syntax should be:vssadmin resize shadowstorage /On=C: /For=C: /MaxSize=5GB1. Event Logs and System Information: Check the Event Viewer for any related warnings or errors around the time you attempt to resize the shadow storage. This can provide insights into any underlying issues. Open the Event Viewer by pressing Windows + X and selecting Event Viewer. Look under Windows Logs > System for any VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service) related entries. It's plausible that recent updates or changes to Windows 10 and 11 include stricter enforcement of the 10% minimum recommended storage size for shadow copies. Microsoft continuously updates its systems to maintain stability and performance, which includes potential policy changes.

    If System Restore/shadow copies are not critical for your environment, consider disabling the feature to manage disk space more effectively:

    1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System.
    2. Click on System Protection.
    3. Select your drive (e.g., C:) and click Configure.
    4. Choose Disable system protection to turn off System Restore for that drive. Utilize alternative backup mechanisms if the shadow copy service’s current requirements impact your disk management strategies. Third-party backup solutions might offer more granular control over storage usage.

    Given the information provided and the steps outlined, it appears the inability to resize shadow storage below 10% is a systemic behavior. Recent adjustments or policy enforcements in Windows 10 and 11 could be the cause. If the issue persists despite these efforts, I recommend submitting feedback to Microsoft via the Feedback Hub application.

    I hope this helps guide you towards a resolution. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to reach out.

    Best Regards,

    Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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