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What’s vshadow.exe (VShadow, Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) Sample Requestor)? Is it safe or a virus?

Vshadow.exe is a command-line utility created by Microsoft as part of the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). It functions as a sample requester to demonstrate how applications can interact with the VSS framework to create and manage shadow copies, which are point-in-time snapshots of disk volumes.

These snapshots are primarily used for backup purposes, allowing access to files in a consistent state even while they are in use. Vshadow.exe is typically used by developers, system administrators, or advanced users for testing and debugging VSS operations, showcasing how to initiate, monitor, and control shadow copy creation and related processes.

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about vshadow.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes vshadow.exe (VShadow, Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) Sample Requestor)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of vshadow.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: April 19, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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