Choose where a branch office will keep its BranchCache content

Source facts

Distributed BranchCache keeps cached content across branch client computers. Hosted-cache mode places that content on one or more branch servers. Microsoft explains that a hosted cache can keep content available when the client that originally fetched it is offline. Different branches can use different modes, but the source specifies one mode per branch. Microsoft documentation.

Applicability

Use this review when choosing a supported BranchCache mode for a particular office. Identify client availability, existing server capacity, content sources, and the people responsible for maintaining the cache location.

DSE recommendation

Ask the branch owner to describe normal device availability and the content-sharing pattern. Compare those requirements with the operational responsibility of running a cache server. Record the selected mode for each branch and the reason for the choice. Keep the decision separate from the later client-policy rollout and server installation, which require their own scoped configuration plans.

Verification

Run an approved content-access test with representative clients. Include the situation in which the original requesting client is offline and observe the selected design. Record the cache location and relevant network activity. Revisit the mode choice if branch device availability or the ability to operate a server changes materially.

Official references

Microsoft Learn: BranchCache. Source reviewed September 8, 2026.