Configures BranchCache to operate in hosted cache client mode.
PowerShell · Risk: High · Documentation Verified
Last verified: 2026-10-26
Microsoft BranchCache reference: Configures BranchCache to operate in hosted cache client mode. The syntax and selected example below are adapted from the pinned Windows Server 2025 reference. Module availability, target configuration and delegated permissions determine whether it can run in your environment. Documentation and parameter text: Microsoft, CC BY 4.0; formatting adapted by Cmdlet World. No execution testing is claimed.
Use an account with the target resource permissions documented for Enable-BCHostedClient. Modifying administrative cmdlets may require elevation or delegated administration. This catalog does not assert that ordinary users can execute the command.
Supported environments
Windows / BranchCache · Windows Server 2025 documentation; feature/module prerequisites apply
Parameters
-AsJob
Runs the cmdlet as a background job. Use this parameter to run commands that take a long time to complete. The cmdlet immediately returns an object that represents the job and then displays the command prompt. You can continue to work in the session while the job completes. To manage the job, use the *-Job cmdlets. To get the job results, use the Receive-Job cmdlet. For more information about Windows PowerShell background jobs, see about_Jobs.
-CimSession
Runs the cmdlet in a remote session or on a remote computer. Enter a computer name or a session object, such as the output of a New-CimSession or Get-CimSession cmdlet. The default is the current session on the local computer.
-Confirm
Prompts you for confirmation before running the cmdlet.
-Force
Forces the command to run without asking for user confirmation.
-ServerNames (required)
Specifies the names of the hosted cache servers that the client computer can use to store content and obtain content.
-ThrottleLimit
Specifies the maximum number of concurrent operations that can be established to run the cmdlet. If this parameter is omitted or a value of 0 is entered, then Windows PowerShell® calculates an optimum throttle limit for the cmdlet based on the number of CIM cmdlets that are running on the computer. The throttle limit applies only to the current cmdlet, not to the session or to the computer.
-UseSCP (required)
Indicates that the client should locate hosted cache servers by using service connection points (SCP). A service connection point is an Active Directory object used to publish service specific data. A hosted cache server may register a service connection point object associated with the active directory site in which it resides. This is achieved with the *RegisterSCP* parameter on the Enable-BCHostedServer cmdlet. If this parameter is specified, then this computer attempts to automatically discover a hosted cache server associated with the assigned active directory site by searching for an SCP.
-UseVersion
Specifies the version of the offer protocol to use when contacting this hosted cache server. This parameter controls which protocol the client should use when communicating with the hosted cache server. The value Windows8 specifies that the client uses HTTP. The value Windows7 specifies that the client uses HTTPS. If this parameter is not specified, and a hosted cache server name is provided, then a value of Windows8 is used. If the *UseSCP* parameter is used, then a value of Windows7 is used. Hosted cache servers that are running Windows Server® 2012 do not need to enroll a certificate, and client computers can contact these servers to store or obtain content by using the HTTP protocol on the TCP port 80. However, Windows® 7-based hosted cache servers must have a certificate enrolled, and can only be contacted when client computers use the HTTPS protocol on the TCP port 443. Note: Windows® 7-based computers can only contact hosted cache servers by using the HTTPS protocol; because of this, a hosted cache server that is running Windows Server 2012 can be configured to accept requests over both HTTP and HTTPS so that the hosted cache server can operate with Windows® 7-based computers and with client computers that are running Windows® 8.
-WhatIf
Shows what would happen if the cmdlet runs. The cmdlet is not run.
Prerequisites
Windows with the BranchCache module and the Windows feature or management tools that provide it. Confirm target connectivity and version compatibility using the linked Microsoft reference.
Security considerations
This cmdlet changes system state. Review every target and parameter in the official reference, test outside production, and prepare an appropriate backup or rollback. Do not execute the example automatically.
This command enables hosted cache client mode using the HC.contos.com computer as a hosted cache server. For HTTPS, use Windows® 7 mode (Windows7). Source: Microsoft, CC BY 4.0; transcript prompt/output removed. This example was not executed.