Stuck in the Shadow Copy (Backup) process

What is VSS-FREEZE?

The VSS-FREEZE error is categorized as a high-severity storage drive (SSD/HDD) issue that can significantly impact your PC's stability. Creating a restore point or backup caused the disk to freeze. When experiencing the Stuck in the Shadow Copy (Backup) process fault, users often report sudden system crashes, unresponsive behavior, or a blue screen of death (BSOD). In most diagnostic scenarios, this problem is directly triggered by underlying hardware or software complications such as end of life (age), defective cable, power outages and high temperatures in the m.2 slot. To permanently resolve the VSS-FREEZE issue and prevent further system degradation, it is highly recommended to follow our step-by-step troubleshooting guide below, ensuring your storage drive (SSD/HDD) components are functioning correctly.

Common Causes

• End of life (age)
• Defective cable
• Power outages
• High temperatures in the M.2 slot

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

• 1
  Back up all data immediately

  Applying the first fix (Back up all data immediately) addresses the most common root cause of VSS-FREEZE and restores baseline functionality.

• 2
  Try replacing the SATA data cable

  If the problem persists, proceeding with the remaining steps ensures all edge cases related to storage instability are covered.

• 3
  Run manufacturer diagnostics

Commands & Diagnostics