What is BranchCache in Windows 10
John Parsons
Updated on April 27, 2026
BranchCache is a wide area network (WAN) bandwidth optimization technology that is included in some editions of the Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 operating systems, as well as in some editions of Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.
What is BranchCache used for?
Microsoft BranchCache is a technology intended to cache central data to remote or branch offices in order to reduce network traffic and optimize Wide Area Network (WAN) utilization.
Can I disable BranchCache?
If you previously configured BranchCache but do not want the branch office clients to use cached content, you can disable caching on the storage system. … When you disable BranchCache, Data ONTAP no longer computes hashes or sends the metadata to the requesting client.
Can I delete BranchCache Windows 10?
If you previously configured BranchCache but do not want the Vserver to continue providing cached content, you can delete the BranchCache configuration on the CIFS server. … Deleting the BranchCache configuration does not disrupt access by BranchCache-enabled clients.What are BranchCache files?
BranchCache is a bandwidth-optimization feature that has been available since the Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 operating systems. … In Hosted Cache mode, designated servers at specific locations act as a cache for files requested by clients in its area.
Is BranchCache enabled by default?
BranchCache is enabled by default. When the requirements for BranchCache are met, this feature enables clients in remote locations to obtain content from local clients that have a current cache of the content. … Other clients on the same subnet don’t have to download content from the distribution point.
Does Windows 10 Pro have BranchCache?
BranchCache is a wide area network (WAN) bandwidth optimization technology that is included in some editions of the Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 operating systems, as well as in some editions of Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows 7.
What is BranchCache in Disk Cleanup?
BranchCache is a wide area network (WAN) bandwidth optimization technology that is included in some editions of the Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 operating systems, as well as in some editions of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.Where are BranchCache files stored?
BranchCache is an OS level mechanism independent from WSUS or ConfigMgr. It uses its own local cache location which by default is C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Local\PeerDistRepub.
How do I delete a BranchCache?- On each of the test lab client computers, open Internet Explorer, then click Tools and Internet Options. On the General tab, click Delete. …
- On each client delete the BranchCache Cache content: netsh branchcache flush (cmd.exe) …
- Optionally on each client clear the Performance Monitor statistics:
How do I enable BranchCache?
In the Properties dialog box, on the General tab, click Offline Settings. The Offline Settings dialog box opens. Ensure that Only the files and programs that users specify are available offline is selected, and then click Enable BranchCache. Click OK twice.
How do I disable BranchCache in SCCM?
In SCCM if you don’t want to use BranchCache there’s an option to turn it off within a deployment – just uncheck the box which says – ‘Allow clients to share content’ etc.
What specific algorithm does DFS Replication use to replicate only the changes made in files?
DFS Replication uses a compression algorithm known as remote differential compression (RDC). RDC detects changes to the data in a file and enables DFS Replication to replicate only the changed file blocks instead of the entire file.
What port does BranchCache use?
It is used for both Hosted and Distributed Cache modes. BranchCache-PeerDiscovery – allows the inbound and outbound traffic on UDP port 3702. This rule is only required when using Distributed Cache mode. BranchCache-Hosted Cache Client – allows the outbound HTTPS traffic on port 443 using TCP.
Why does BranchCache use port 80?
port 80 is fine for content retrieval from the webserver, that’s the default that Branchcache uses.
What is BranchCache what are its benefits?
BranchCache reduces both WAN traffic and the time that is required for branch office users to open files on the network. BranchCache always provides users with the most recent data, and it protects the security of your content by encrypting the caches on the hosted cache server and on client computers.
What is BranchCache 2016?
The BranchCache is a WAN optimization technology that is built into Server 2016. It enables remote offices to access centralized file-shares, over the wide area network at faster speeds and using less bandwidth.
What is BranchCache peer discovery?
It is a content caching and retrieval framework based on a peer-to-peer discovery and distribution model. It’s an open protocol. In the PCCR Discovery Protocol the peers looking for content are the WSD clients, sending out multicast WSD Probe messages with the hashes of the content.
What is the default capacity of the staging folder?
Each replicated folder has its own staging folder, which by default is located under the local path of the replicated folder in the DfsrPrivate\Staging folder. The default size of each staging folder is 4,096 MB.
How do I know if BranchCache is enabled?
The easiest way to check that BranchCache is actually working is right in the ConfigMgr Console! Head to “Monitoring” -> “Distribution Status” -> “Client Data Sources”. From there you can see where clients are downloading from based on Boundary Group. After BranchCache was enabled in my environment.
Why would you choose to implement BranchCache in Hosted Cache mode instead of distributed cache mode?
The BranchCache role can exist with other loads on a server. It has minimal CPU and memory overhead and tends to be disk bound (i.e., high disk I/O), so consider your disk layout when implementing it. If you don’t have a server at a location and can’t add one, use distributed mode.
What is Windows DirectAccess?
Microsoft DirectAccess. “DirectAccess provides users transparent access to internal network resources whenever they are connected to the Internet.” DirectAccess does not require any user intervention or any credentials to be supplied in order to connect.
What is file and storage services?
“File and Storage Services includes technologies that help you set up and manage one or more file servers, which are servers that provide central locations on your network where you can store files and share them with users.
How do I clear a PowerShell script cache?
- Click on the “…” button against the cache name.
- Click on Clear Contents from the options.
What command would you run to clear your computer's local BranchCache cache?
The Clear-BCCache cmdlet deletes all data in all cache files.
What is DFS Replication?
DFS Replication is an efficient, multiple-master replication engine that you can use to keep folders synchronized between servers across limited bandwidth network connections. … As the data changes in each replicated folder, the changes are replicated across connections between the members of the replication group.
How do I install BranchCache?
To install and enable the BranchCache feature In Server Manager, click Manage, and then click Add Roles and Features. The Add Roles and Features wizard opens. Click Next. In Select installation type, ensure that Role-based or feature-based installation is selected, and then click Next.
What is the difference between cache and proxy?
Proxy server caching differs from browser caching in that website resources are stored in intermediate servers, instead of on your visitors’ local drives. … While a browser cache is almost completely controlled by a user, and can be deleted or modified at will, proxy server caching occurs on the CDN side.
Which command we use to verify the BranchCache status?
BranchCache Configuration in Command Line To check the status of BranchCache on computer we can enter the “netsh branchcache show status“. We can also configure the cache size.
How do I check my SCCM cache?
On the client computer go to control panel and click Configuration Manager. On the Configuration Manager properties box, click Cache tab and then click Configure Settings. This should show the client cache size.
What is peer cache in SCCM?
Peer cache is a built-in Configuration Manager solution that enables clients to share content with other clients directly from their local cache.