Why Does “System Image Backup Failed Error 0x80780038” Happen in Windows 11? Fix the Annoying Blocker Fast!

Can You Fix Windows 11’s “Backup Storage Location Error” Quickly? Simple Steps for a Smooth, Happy Backup

Windows 11 helps keep your computer safe with system image backups. These backups copy everything on your computer’s main drive. If something goes wrong, you can put your computer back the way it was. Sometimes, you see this message:

The backup failed. The specified backup storage location has the shadow copy storage on another volume (0x80780038).

This error means Windows is having trouble saving your backup. The main reasons are:

• Not enough space on your backup drive
• Settings that don’t allow backups
• Restore points that are broken or using up space
• Windows not having permission to write on the drive

Let’s solve this problem so you don’t feel stuck or upset. Each step uses clear, direct actions.

Solution 1: Find and Repair Broken System Files

Broken system files can block backups. Fix them like this:

1. Open the Start menu. Type cmd.
2. Right-click “Command Prompt.” Click “Run as administrator.”
3. Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for Windows to fix any errors.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Try the backup again.

Solution 2: Change System Protection Settings

Your backup drive should make room for shadow copies. To check and set this:

1. Press the Windows + R.
2. Type sysdm.cpl > hit Enter.
3. Click the “System Protection” tab.
4. Pick the drive where you want backups to go.
5. Click “Configure.”
6. Turn on “System protection.”
7. Slide “Max Usage” to set how much space you want for restore points.
8. Click “Delete” to remove old restore points that may be causing the error.
9. Hit “Apply,” then “OK.”
10. Try the backup again.

Solution 3: Make Sure There’s Enough Space

Backups need enough free space to save safely. Here’s how you check:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click the backup drive > click “Properties.”
3. See how much free space you have.
4. If space is low—in Disk Cleanup—select your backup drive and remove files you don’t need.
5. Make sure you have several gigabytes free. (At least 320 MB is needed; more is better for a full backup.)
6. Try backing up again.

Solution 4: Increase Shadow Storage Space

If shadow storage is too small, Windows can’t create backups. To make it bigger:

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose “Run as administrator.”
2. Type: vssadmin list shadowstorage (and hit Enter).
3. To set bigger space, type:

   vssadmin resize shadowstorage /for=D: /on=D: /maxsize=10%

   (Swap “D:” with your backup drive letter if needed.)

4. Try your backup again.

Solution 5: Try Another Backup Program

Sometimes, free backup tools do the job better than Windows. Great alternatives are:

• Macrium Reflect
• AOMEI Backupper
• MiniTool ShadowMaker

To use them:

1. Download and install one from its official site.
2. Open the program and pick “System Image Backup.”
3. Choose which drive to save your backup.
4. Follow the steps on the screen.

These backup programs often work even when Windows gives up.

Final Tips for Peace of Mind

• Always check that your backup drive is plugged in and working.
• Back up your data often so you’re always ready.
• If one fix doesn’t work, try the next—you’ll likely solve it soon.

With these steps, you’ll enjoy safer backups without running into storage or permission snags.