What does the BranchCache feature do?
Christopher Pierce
Updated on March 01, 2026
BranchCache allows computers at a local branch office to cache data from a file or web server on a WAN (wide area network). The data can be cached either on the client computers, in distributed cache mode, or on a local server, in hosted cache mode.
How do you test a BranchCache?
Open a Windows Explorer window, and on drive C, create a folder named Share. After the initial configuration, you want to verify that BranchCache is configured correctly and functioning correctly. You can use the netsh branchcache show status all command to display the BranchCache service status.
How do you implement BranchCache?
Introduction
- In the following illustration, BranchCache is deployed in both modes.
- Step 01 – Configure Domain Server to use Windows BranchCache.
- Step – 02 Simulate a slow link to the branch office.
- Step – 03 Enable a File Share for BranchCache.
- Step – 04 Configure client firewall rules for BranchCache.
What is Windows BranchCache?
BranchCache is a bandwidth-optimization feature that has been available since the Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 operating systems. Each client has a cache and acts as an alternate source for content that devices on its own network request.
What is BranchCache SCCM?
BranchCache is a bandwidth-optimization feature introduce with Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. Each client uses a cache and acts as an alternate source for content that devices on its own network request. SCCM can use BranchCache to optimize network bandwidth during deployments.
What port does BranchCache use?
port 80
port 80 is fine for content retrieval from the webserver, that’s the default that Branchcache uses.
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.
Where is BranchCache 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.
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.
Does Windows 7 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.
Where is BranchCache?
BranchCache file location Mainly where the cache content files are stored. Clients will always store cache files + the hashes of those files that describe the data in the following location: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Local\PeerDistRepub.
What is branch server?
The Branch Server provides the network boot and system management infrastructure for the SUSE® Linux Enterprise Point of Service terminals and a generic system platform for instore applications, such as database systems and back-ends for the Point of Service applications.
What is basebranchcache overview?
BranchCache Overview, which is a topic in the BranchCache Design Guide, provides evaluation information about BranchCache, such as which operating systems support specific BranchCache features, BranchCache mode information, and the functionality provided by individual aspects of BranchCache.
What is branch cache in Windows 7?
BranchCache is a bandwidth-optimization feature that has been available since the Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 operating systems. Each client has a cache and acts as an alternate source for content that devices on its own network request. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Microsoft Endpoint Manager can use BranchCache
How do I enable BranchCache on a data volume?
To enable BranchCache on a DP you should do two things: The first one, enabling the ConfigMgr BranchCache feature itself, is mandatory. The second one, moving the Publication Cache to a Data Volume and increase the size of it, is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Let’s start with the configurations you do in the ConfigMgr console.
Does BranchCache work with Windows Server 2012 R2?
In addition, BranchCache in Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012 provides the ability to deploy more than one hosted cache server per branch office. If you use BranchCache for SMB caching of files and folders, do not disable Offline Files.