# Unused EBS Volume Attached to a Stopped EC2 Instance

Canonical: https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/unused-ebs-volume-attached-to-a-stopped-ec2-instance

[Cloud Efficiency Hub](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub) 

# Unused EBS Volume Attached to a Stopped EC2 Instance

## Explanation

This inefficiency occurs when an EC2 instance is stopped but still has one or more attached EBS volumes. Although the compute resource is not generating charges while stopped, the attached volumes continue to incur full storage and performance-related costs. These volumes are often overlooked in cost reviews, especially if the instance is temporarily paused or has been left in a stopped state long-term. Without regular validation, these volumes may represent unused capacity that delivers no value.

## Relevant Billing Model

EBS volumes are billed per GB-month of provisioned storage, with additional charges for provisioned IOPS (for io1/io2) and throughput (for gp3). Charges apply continuously, regardless of whether the volume is attached to a running instance. When a volume is attached to an EC2 instance that is stopped, the instance incurs no charges-but the volume continues to accumulate storage and performance-related costs.

## Detection

- Identify EC2 instances in a stopped state during the defined lookback period

- Check whether attached EBS volumes remain actively provisioned

- Validate whether the instance or its volumes are needed for recovery, migration, or scheduled activation

- Consult application owners to determine if the instance and its storage are still required

## Remediation

If the volume is no longer needed, back up any essential data and delete the volume to stop ongoing storage charges. Consider creating a snapshot if the data may be useful for future recovery. If the instance will be restarted soon, set a policy or reminder to revisit after a fixed period. Implement scheduled audits to catch volumes attached to stopped instances that no longer serve an operational purpose.

## Relevant Documentation

- [EBS Pricing](https://aws.amazon.com/ebs/pricing//%22)

- [Amazon EC2 Instance Lifecycle](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/ec2-instance-lifecycle.html/)

[Submit Feedback](https://hub.pointfive.co/inefficiencies/unused-ebs-volume-attached-to-a-stopped-ec2-instance)

## At a glance

Reference

CER-0051

Cloud provider

AWS

Service

AWS EBS

Category

[Storage](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/service-category/storage)

Inefficiency type

Unused Resource

## Contributed by

- Taylor Houck 

### Taylor Houck

Cloud FinOps Specialist @ PointFive

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/twhouck/)

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