BranchCache (PeerDistSvc) Service Defaults in Windows 10

This service caches network content from peers on the local subnet.

The BranchCache service does not exist in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:BranchCache
Service name:PeerDistSvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k PeerDist
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\peerdistsvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\PeerDistSvc
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege

Default Behavior

BranchCache is a Win32 service. In Windows 10 it is starting only if the user, an application or another service starts it. When the BranchCache service is started, it is running as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService in a shared process of svchost.exe along with other services. If BranchCache fails to start, the failure details are being recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 10 will start up and notify the user that the PeerDistSvc service has failed to start due to the error.

Dependencies

BranchCache cannot be started under any conditions, if the HTTP Service is disabled.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of BranchCache

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which BranchCache depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config PeerDistSvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The PeerDistSvc service is using the peerdistsvc.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 10 installation media.