Configure an Existing File Server as a Content Server

Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016

You can use this procedure to install the BranchCache for Network Files role service of the File Services server role on a computer running Windows Server 2016.

Important

If the File Services server role is not already installed, do not follow this procedure. Instead, see Install a New File Server as a Content Server.

Membership in Administrators, or equivalent is the minimum required to perform this procedure.

Note

To perform this procedure by using Windows PowerShell, run Windows PowerShell as an Administrator, type the following commands at the Windows PowerShell prompt, and then press ENTER.

Install-WindowsFeature FS-BranchCache -IncludeManagementTools

To install the Data Deduplication role service, type the following command, and then press ENTER.

Install-WindowsFeature FS-Data-Deduplication -IncludeManagementTools

To install the BranchCache for Network Files role service

  1. In Server Manager, click Manage, and then click Add Roles and Features. The Add Roles and Features wizard opens. Click Next.

  2. In Select installation type, ensure that Role-based or feature-based installation is selected, and then click Next.

  3. In Select destination server, ensure that the correct server is selected, and then click Next.

  4. In Select server roles, in Roles, note that the File And Storage Services role is already installed; click the arrow to the left of the role name to expand the selection of role services, and then click the arrow to the left of File and iSCSI Services.

  5. Select the check box for BranchCache for Network Files.

    Tip

    If you have not already done so, it is recommended that you also select the check box for Data Deduplication.

    Click Next.

  6. In Select features, click Next.

  7. In Confirm installation selections, review your selections, and then click Install. The Installation progress pane is displayed during installation. When installation is complete, click Close.