BranchCache (PeerDistSvc) Service Defaults in Windows 11

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 11 it starts only if the user, an application or another service starts it. When the BranchCache service is started, it logs on as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService and running in a shared process of svchost.exe. If BranchCache fails to start, the failure details will be recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 11 should boot up and notify the user about the PeerDistSvc service startup failure.

Dependencies

BranchCache cannot be started, if the HTTP Service won't start.

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 11 installation media.