BranchCache (PeerDistSvc) Service Defaults in Windows 7

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 7 it won't be started if the user doesn't start it. When the BranchCache service is started, it is running as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other system components, such as drivers and services, may run in the same process. If BranchCache fails to start, Windows 7 attempts to write the failure details into Event Log. Then Windows 7 startup should proceed and the user should be notified that the PeerDistSvc service is not running because of the error.

Dependencies

BranchCache is unable to start, if the HTTP service is stopped or 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 7 installation media.