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What is Shadow Explorer? Definition, Working & Features

Do you know what Shadow Explorer is for? Although we currently live connected and the cloud makes it exceedingly difficult for data loss to occur, it is a possibility. Although the storage media used are completely reliable, sometimes what we need may not found anywhere. At those times Shadow Explorer is the only way to recover the missing files. 

Are you facing a ransomware attack? Have you suffered an intentional data deletion by a former employee?  

Regardless of the reason that certain documents or files no longer appear anywhere, there is a smart feature in Windows that could save your informational business assets. 

What is Shadow Explorer? 

Volume Shadow Copy automatically stores copies of files in the background. However, most users are completely unaware of this application, which acts as an automated backup solution. But Microsoft grants access to these copies only in Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise editions. This is where Shadow Explorer comes into play.

Shadow Explorer allows you to browse the Shadow Copies created by the Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 Volume Shadow Copy Service. It’s especially thought for users of the home editions, who don’t have access to the shadow copies by default, but it’s also useful for users of the other editions.

Please note that it is not the procedure of restoring deleted files using recovery software. However, you should know that there is the possibility of using this recovery software in conjunction with Shadow Explorer. 

How does Shadow Explorer Work? 

Shadow Explorer allows you to browse Windows Shadow copies created by Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 Service. When these volume shadow copies and copies of the modified data files are created on the computer. And that’s where Shadow Explorer comes in. It allows you to use Shadow copies that are created by Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 Volume Shadow Copy Service: 

  1. Restore files to earlier versions. 
  2. Restore a deleted file. 

Shadow Explorer makes it possible to view and access the file store in Shadow Volume Copies. If a file is changed or deleted on the computer and the volume copies are intact. You can use this tool to restore the version of a file that you need. 

Key Features of Shadow Explorer? 

Shadow Explorer is characterized by the following functionalities: 

  • Able to display all available copies at one point in time 
  • Let’s browse shadow copies. 
  • Facilitates the recovery of earlier versions of files and folders. 

It is important to note that Shadow Volume Copies and Shadow Explorer do not replace a suitable backup system. Although this tool allows you to potentially recover files that have been changed or deleted. It is different from having a backup that checks your files and backs them up when they have changed. 

Shadow Explorer is a tool to keep in mind, but the good habit of backing up business data should not be neglected. 

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