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FVE_E_SHADOW_COPY_PRESENT
A snapshot preserves an older view of volume blocks
FVE_E_SHADOW_COPY_PRESENT means BitLocker refuses the requested enablement while the volume contains a shadow copy. A VSS snapshot represents point-in-time block state and can be used by backup, restore-point, or previous-version workflows. Starting volume encryption while such state is retained would complicate the relationship between current and snapshot data.
Do not delete snapshots blindly. First identify which provider and application created them, whether they are part of an active backup or recovery plan, and whether retention policy requires them.
What to verify
- Enumerate shadow copies and their creation times, source volume, provider, and owning backup product.
- Complete or cancel active backup operations before changing snapshot state.
- Preserve required recovery points elsewhere, then remove only the snapshots that block the planned BitLocker operation.
- Recheck BitLocker status and free space after snapshot cleanup before starting encryption.
References
- Microsoft: BitLocker operations guide
- Microsoft: VSS command-line administration
- Microsoft: Volume Shadow Copy Service overview
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