What is drsnapshot.exe?
drsnapshot.exe is the executable for Drive Snapshot, a Windows backup tool that creates exact disk images for recovery. It can operate online while Windows runs, enabling quick backups without shutting down. The process manages imaging tasks, mounting backups, and restoration operations, storing images in a dedicated folder or external drive.
Drive Snapshot employs block-level imaging with its own snapshot driver to capture a consistent copy of a drive or partition. It supports full and incremental backups, compression, and restoration to the same or different hardware, while preserving file system integrity.
Quick Fact: Drive Snapshot supports online imaging and can create portable image files that are usable for restoration on the same or different hardware.
Types of Drive Snapshot Processes
- Image Process: Runs during imaging to read blocks and write the disk image
- Mount Process: Mounts an image as a virtual drive for verification or restore
- Restore Process: Writes image back to a volume during recovery
- Verification Process: Verifies image integrity after backup
- Scheduler/Service Process: Background task or service that triggers scheduled backups
- Driver/Helper Process: Low-level driver component used during imaging
Is drsnapshot.exe Safe?
Yes, drsnapshot.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Drive Snapshot downloaded from official sources.
Is drsnapshot.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real drsnapshot.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade under similar names.
How to Tell if drsnapshot.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Drive Snapshot\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Drive Snapshot\. Any drsnapshot.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer associated with Drive Snapshot.
- Resource Usage: During imaging, typical CPU usage is 5-20% and memory 50-300 MB. Abnormal spikes outside backup windows are suspicious.
- Behavior: Should run only when a backup is initiated or scheduled. Continuous background activity when no backup exists is a red flag.
Red Flags: If drsnapshot.exe is found outside Drive Snapshot's standard install directory, runs when you are not initiating a backup, lacks a valid digital signature, or consistently consumes high resources, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly-named executables such as 'drsnapshot32.exe'.
Why Is drsnapshot.exe Running on My PC?
Drive Snapshot runs when a backup or restore operation is scheduled or actively performed, and may also run its background components to prepare for imaging tasks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup Operation: A disk image is being created, verified, or restored; imaging tasks invoke the drsnapshot.exe process.
- Scheduled Backups: A backup job is scheduled to run at a defined time or on event triggers via Task Scheduler or the Drive Snapshot scheduler.
- Background Snapshot Driver: The driver component may load in anticipation of an imaging task to provide fast, consistent access to disks.
- Verification or Post-Backup Tasks: After a backup completes, verification or cleanup tasks may launch drsnapshot.exe.
- Restore Request: A user or automated system initiates a restore, causing the imaging process to run to re-write a volume.
Can I Disable or Remove drsnapshot.exe?
Yes, you can disable drsnapshot.exe. It's safe to disable or remove Drive Snapshot if you no longer need its backup features.
How to Stop drsnapshot.exe
- End Imaging Task: In Drive Snapshot UI, cancel the current job; if a backup is running, stop or abort it from the application.
- Close Application: Exit the Drive Snapshot GUI and ensure no backup tasks are active.
- Disable Startup and Scheduler: Open Task Scheduler and disable any Drive Snapshot tasks; disable the service/driver if present.
- Uninstall Drive Snapshot: Settings → Apps → Drive Snapshot → Uninstall, or use Programs and Features in Control Panel.
- Prevent Background Runs: In Drive Snapshot settings, disable 'Run in background' and remove any recurring tasks related to imaging.
How to Uninstall Drive Snapshot
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Drive Snapshot → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Drive Snapshot → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternatives: Windows File History, Macrium Reflect, Acronis True Image
Common Problems: Imaging Issues
If drsnapshot.exe has problems during imaging, try the following common fixes and best practices.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Insufficient permissions: Run Drive Snapshot as Administrator and ensure the backup destination is accessible with the right permissions.
- Disk or volume in use: Close other applications accessing the target disk; ensure no other backup tool is locking the drive.
- Insufficient free space: Free space on the target drive is required for the image. Allocate additional space or choose a larger destination.
- Outdated software: Update Drive Snapshot to the latest version from the official site to fix known imaging issues.
- Driver or service not loaded: Ensure the Drive Snapshot driver/service is properly installed and loaded; reboot if necessary.
- Corrupted image or verify failure: Use the Verify feature after backup; try a fresh backup if verification consistently fails and review logs.
Quick Fixes:
1. Run as Administrator to ensure permissions
2. Check backup destination accessibility and free space
3. Update to the latest Drive Snapshot version
4. Use Verify after backup to confirm integrity
5. Review logs in the Drive Snapshot UI for specific errors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drive Snapshot used for?
Drive Snapshot creates exact disk images for backups and restores, allowing recovery from a single image file without needing the original hardware setup.
Does Drive Snapshot run while Windows is running?
Yes. It can perform online imaging using its snapshot driver, which minimizes downtime and avoids full system shutdowns.
Can I restore to different hardware with Drive Snapshot?
Yes, Drive Snapshot can restore to equivalent hardware or to different hardware with caution; some drivers and settings may require post-restore adjustments.
How do I schedule backups with Drive Snapshot?
Use the built-in scheduler or Windows Task Scheduler to trigger imaging tasks at set times or events; configure destinations and retention policies within the tool.
Does Drive Snapshot support encryption for backups?
Yes, backups can be encrypted during creation to protect data at rest. Configure encryption options in the imaging settings.
How do I verify a backup image?
Run the Verify option after creating an image to confirm integrity; review the verification log for any discrepancies and repeat the backup if needed.