How to Delete Shadow Copies in Server 2016
Shadow copies are a crucial feature in Windows Server 2016, providing a way to restore files and folders to a previous state in case of accidental deletion or corruption. However, over time, these shadow copies can consume a significant amount of disk space, especially on servers with a high volume of file changes. In this article, we will guide you through the process of deleting shadow copies in Server 2016 to free up disk space and optimize system performance.
Step 1: Open Disk Management
To begin deleting shadow copies, you first need to open Disk Management. You can do this by searching for “Disk Management” in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “diskmgmt.msc,” and pressing Enter.
Step 2: Select the Volume
Once Disk Management is open, locate the volume for which you want to delete shadow copies. Right-click on the volume and select “Properties.”
Step 3: Go to the Shadow Copies Tab
In the Properties window, click on the “Shadow Copies” tab. This tab will display all the available shadow copies for the selected volume.
Step 4: Delete Shadow Copies
To delete a specific shadow copy, select it from the list and click the “Delete” button. If you want to delete all shadow copies for the volume, click the “Delete All” button. Be cautious when deleting shadow copies, as this action cannot be undone.
Step 5: Confirm Deletion
A confirmation dialog will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion of the selected shadow copies. Click “Yes” to proceed.
Step 6: Repeat for Other Volumes
Repeat steps 2 to 5 for any other volumes on which you want to delete shadow copies.
Additional Tips
– To delete all shadow copies for all volumes on your server, you can use the “vssadmin” command-line tool. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following command: `vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet`.
– If you want to prevent shadow copies from being created in the future, you can disable the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) on the affected volume. Right-click on the volume in Disk Management, select “Properties,” and uncheck the “Enable Shadow Copies for this volume” option.
By following these steps, you can effectively delete shadow copies in Server 2016 and free up valuable disk space. Remember to exercise caution when deleting shadow copies, as this action cannot be undone.
