Choose Storage bus cache provisioning mode before enabling the feature

Source facts

Storage bus cache combines faster and slower media into tiers on a standalone server. Microsoft’s default reserves only part of the faster tier for caching. Provision Mode determines whether all or part of the faster tier is used as cache. Microsoft states that this field cannot be changed after enabling the feature. The instructions require any necessary configuration to be completed before enablement. Microsoft documentation.

Applicability

Check the exact server release, media combination, installed features, and volume design against the source prerequisites. Distinguish this standalone feature from Storage Spaces Direct caching across cluster nodes.

DSE recommendation

Write down the intended use of the faster media before enabling the cache. Have the storage owner review the capacity allocated to cache and to workload storage, including the selected Provision Mode. Retain the current disk inventory and approved recovery procedure before changing the storage configuration.

Verification

Inspect the resulting mode, device roles, and capacity allocation and compare them with the approved design. Measure a representative workload under documented conditions and record any unresolved discrepancy. Do not assume that a successful enablement proves the chosen split meets the application’s capacity or performance needs.

Official references

Microsoft Learn: Storage bus cache on Storage Spaces. Source reviewed September 8, 2026.