volsnap.sys Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

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How to Fix volsnap.sys Blue Screen Errors in Windows 10/11

The volsnap.sys blue screen error (BSOD) can appear unexpectedly, causing your system to crash with an error message like “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” or “SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION.” This file is a core component of Windows responsible for managing volume snapshots and disk backups. When it malfunctions, it can lead to system instability. Below are the most effective ways to diagnose and resolve this issue.

What Is volsnap.sys?

The volsnap.sys file is part of Windows’ Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which allows for disk snapshots, system restores, and backups. It works in the background during operations like Windows updates or disk imaging but can fail if corrupted or conflicting with other drivers.

Common Causes of volsnap.sys BSOD

This error typically occurs due to:

  • Corrupted system files or registry entries related to volume snapshots.
  • Outdated, incompatible, or faulty third-party drivers (e.g., antivirus, disk utilities).
  • Hardware issues like failing RAM or a damaged hard drive.
  • Recent Windows updates that introduce bugs affecting VSS.
  • Malware or system file corruption from improper shutdowns.

Step-by-Step Fixes for volsnap.sys BSOD

1. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools repair corrupted system files without replacing your personal data.

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Run SFC scan to check system integrity: 
    sfc /scannow

    Wait for the process to complete (may take several minutes).

  • If issues persist, run DISM to restore health: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Restart your PC afterward.

2. Update or Roll Back Problematic Drivers

Outdated drivers (e.g., antivirus, chipset, or storage) often trigger this error.

  • Open Device Manager:
    • Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
  • Expand categories like Disk drives, System devices, or Display adapters.
  • Right-click any device with a yellow exclamation mark, then select Update driver. Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
  • Alternative: Roll back the driver if you recently updated it:
    • Right-click the driver Properties Driver tab Roll Back Driver.

3. Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Disk Tools Temporarily

Some security software (e.g., McAfee, Norton) may interfere with VSS. Try disabling it during troubleshooting:

  • Open your antivirus program.
  • Look for options like Temporary Disable or Exclude from Scan.
  • Restart your PC to test if the BSOD persists.

4. Check Disk Health with CHKDSK

If hardware corruption is suspected, run CHKDSK to scan for errors:

  • Open Command Prompt as Admin and run: 
    chkdsk C: /f /r

    (Replace “C:” with your system drive if needed.)

  • If prompted, restart to complete the scan.

5. Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Conflicts

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers/services, helping identify conflicts:

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  • Go to the Services tab Check Hide all Microsoft services Click Disable all.
  • Go to the Startup tab Open Task Manager Disable all startup items.
  • Restart your PC and test for BSODs. If stable, re-enable services/apps one by one to find the culprit.

6. Restore from a System Image or Reset Windows

If the issue persists, restore from a backup or reset Windows:

  • Restore from backup: Use File History or a system image if available.
  • Reset Windows (last resort):
    • Go to Settings Update & Security Recovery Reset this PC.
    • Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.

FAQs About volsnap.sys BSOD

Q: Will this damage my data?

No, but avoid shutting down during a BSOD to prevent corruption. Use Restart or Win + L if stuck.

Q: Can I safely delete volsnap.sys?

No. This file is critical for system stability; never modify it manually.

Q: Does a factory reset fix this permanently?

Yes, but back up important files first. A clean install removes all third-party conflicts.

Q: Why does this happen after Windows updates?

Updates may introduce bugs in VSS. Use Windows Update troubleshooter or roll back the update via Settings Update & Security View update history.

Q: Should I replace my hard drive if this occurs often?

If CHKDSK finds errors repeatedly, consider replacing a failing HDD/SSD. Monitor for other signs like slow performance or data loss.

Final Notes

The volsnap.sys BSOD is usually fixable with system file repairs or driver updates. If problems persist after trying these steps, contact Microsoft Support or check for hardware issues (e.g., faulty RAM). Always back up critical data to avoid losing files during troubleshooting.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)

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