N
InsightHorizon Digest

What is BranchCache used for

Author

Isabella Browning

Updated on March 22, 2026

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.

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.

How do I know if BranchCache is working?

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.

Can I delete BranchCache?

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 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.

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.

How do you implement BranchCache?

  1. In the following illustration, BranchCache is deployed in both modes.
  2. Step 01 – Configure Domain Server to use Windows BranchCache.
  3. Step – 02 Simulate a slow link to the branch office.
  4. Step – 03 Enable a File Share for BranchCache.
  5. Step – 04 Configure client firewall rules for BranchCache.

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.

What is BranchCache in Windows 10?

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 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.

Article first time published on

How do I monitor BranchCache?

  1. Go to Administration / Client Setting / Client Cache Settings.
  2. Set the dropdown Enable BranchCache to Yes.
  3. Set the dropdown Configure BranchCache to Yes.
  4. Set the desired option for cache size.
  5. Deploy the client setting to the desired devices.

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.

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.

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.

How do I disable BranchCache?

  1. To check the status of BranchCache (Enabled or Disabled), enter: PowerShell Copy. Get-WSSBranchCacheStatus.
  2. To turn BranchCache on, enter: PowerShell Copy. Enable-WSSBranchCache.
  3. To turn BranchCache off, enter: PowerShell Copy. Disable-WSSBranchCache.

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.

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.

When BranchCache is installed on a Web server or an application server What technology will be used to take advantage of the BranchCache service automatically?

Solution to exerciseUnlimited quotaBadBlackBerry support for 10% of usersGoodThe maximum length of a single outage is 2 hoursBadEach backup set has to be retained for 1 yearUgly

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.

Does Windows 10 Education Edition have BitLocker?

Windows 10 BitLocker Device Encryption The BitLocker device encryption in Windows 10 is the “full” device encryption with management controls and is only available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition It is not available on Windows 10 Home edition. You can enable BitLocker on individual drives.

What is the advantage of deploying roles to a VHD file?

What is the advantage of deploying roles to a VHD file? An administrator can modify server roles to offline VMs without starting the VM.

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 does always on VPN Work?

Always On VPN works as an automated service that establishes a connection between the client and the VPN with no user interactions whatsoever. It is meant as a replacement for DirectAccess and it’s easier to manage, implement, and is more secure.

What is a VPN connection?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, routes all of your internet activity through a secure, encrypted connection, which prevents others from seeing what you’re doing online and from where you’re doing it. …

What is the difference between VPN and DirectAccess?

DirectAccess can be used to provide secure remote access and enhanced management for Windows laptops managed by IT, while VPN can be deployed for non-managed devices.

What is SCCM Ledbat?

Low Extra Delay Background Transport (LEDBAT) is a way to transfer data on the Internet quickly without clogging the network. LEDBAT was invented by Stanislav Shalunov and is used by Apple for software updates and by BitTorrent for most of its transfers and by Microsoft SCCM software distribution points.

How do I enable BranchCache in Windows 10?

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.

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.

Is Active Directory an application?

Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft’s proprietary directory service. It runs on Windows Server and enables administrators to manage permissions and access to network resources. Active Directory stores data as objects. An object is a single element, such as a user, group, application or device such as a printer.

What is the difference between BranchCache and peer cache?

Peer Cache supports OS Deployment by default, but to have BranchCache supporting OS Deployment, you need to add BranchCache to WinPE using the free OSD Toolkit from 2Pint Software. This kit also includes an Alternate Content Provider (ACP) for BITS, that works very well with BranchCache.