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How to Increase SCCM Client Cache Size on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) uses a client cache on Windows 11 devices to temporarily store installation files and updates. Sometimes, the default cache size may not be enough, causing deployment failures or slow installations.

Increasing the SCCM client cache size helps ensure smoother software distribution and better performance. This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step instructions to adjust the cache size safely.

The process is straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills. Just follow each step carefully to avoid any misconfiguration.

Whether you’re managing a single device or multiple clients, understanding how to increase the cache size is essential for maintaining efficient SCCM operations.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure you have administrative rights on the Windows 11 machine you are working on. Without admin access, you won’t be able to change SCCM client settings.
  • Verify that the SCCM client is installed and functioning properly on the device.
  • Check the current cache size to understand how much it needs to be increased.
  • Be aware that increasing cache size will take up more disk space, so ensure the device has enough free storage.

Step 1: Check Current SCCM Client Cache Size

Before changing anything, it’s good to know the current cache size setting.

  1. Open the Configuration Manager Properties by clicking on the Start menu, typing Configuration Manager, and selecting it from the results.
  2. Go to the Cache tab. Here, you will see the current cache size and location.
  3. Note the size displayed (usually in MB). This helps you understand how much to increase it.

If the cache size is too small (default is often 5120 MB or 5 GB), you may want to increase it to prevent download errors.

Step 2: Increase SCCM Client Cache Size via Configuration Manager Properties

This is the easiest method to increase the cache size directly on the client device.

  1. In the same Cache tab of Configuration Manager Properties, look for the Maximum Cache Size (MB) field.
  2. Click inside the box and type the new cache size you want. For example, enter 10240 to set the cache to 10 GB.
  3. Ensure the size you enter is appropriate and your disk has sufficient free space.
  4. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

After this, the SCCM client will use the new cache size for downloading software and updates.

Step 3: Increase Cache Size Using Command Prompt (Advanced Option)

If you prefer or need to make the change via command line, especially for scripting or remote management, follow these steps.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Run the following command to set the cache size. Replace 10240 with your desired size in MB:
ccmcache /setcache /size 10240

Note: This command may not be available on all clients. Alternatively, you can use PowerShell or edit the registry directly (covered next).

Step 4: Modify Cache Size via Registry Editor (For Advanced Users)

Editing the registry allows precise control but should be done carefully. Incorrect changes can cause system issues.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftCCMCache
  3. Look for a DWORD value named CacheSize.
  4. Double-click CacheSize and change the value to the new size in MB (decimal). For example, enter 10240 for 10 GB.
  5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  6. Restart the SMS Agent Host service to apply changes. Open Services (type services.msc in Run) and restart the service named SMS Agent Host.

This method is useful if you need to deploy cache size changes via Group Policy or scripts across multiple devices.

Why Increasing Cache Size Matters

The SCCM client cache stores downloaded installation files temporarily. If the cache is too small, package downloads may fail, causing errors during software deployment.

By increasing the cache size, you allow the client to hold larger files or multiple packages simultaneously. This results in fewer failures and smoother update processes.

Alternative Methods and Tips

  • Using Client Settings in SCCM Console: You can configure cache size centrally via the SCCM Administrator Console. Navigate to Administration > Client Settings and edit the default or custom client settings to increase cache size. This method applies changes automatically to targeted clients.
  • Clearing Cache: Before increasing size, consider clearing the existing cache if it’s full or corrupted. You can do this through the Configuration Manager Properties or by deleting files in the cache folder manually.
  • Monitoring Cache Usage: Keep an eye on cache usage to avoid oversized cache taking unnecessary disk space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if the cache size is causing deployment issues?

If software or updates fail to download or install, and you see errors related to insufficient disk space or cache, the cache size might be too small.

Can I reduce the cache size if I want to save disk space?

Yes, you can reduce it, but ensure it’s still large enough for the packages you expect to deploy. Too small a cache leads to failures.

Is it necessary to restart the SCCM client after changing cache size?

Usually, changes apply immediately or after restarting the SMS Agent Host service. Restarting the client or service ensures the new cache size is used.

Will increasing cache size affect system performance?

Increasing cache size uses more disk space but generally does not impact performance unless the disk is nearly full.

Can I set cache size remotely for multiple Windows 11 devices?

Yes, using SCCM client settings in the SCCM Console or deploying scripts via Group Policy or remote management tools can configure cache size on multiple devices.

When Nothing Works

If increasing the cache size does not resolve your issues, consider these final steps:

  • Check SCCM client logs located at C:WindowsCCMLogs, especially CAS.log and ContentTransferManager.log, for detailed error information.
  • Repair or reinstall the SCCM client on the affected machine.
  • Consult the official Microsoft SCCM documentation and forums for advanced troubleshooting and updates: Microsoft Endpoint Manager Docs.
  • Contact your IT support or SCCM administrator if you are part of an organization’s managed environment.

Conclusion

Increasing the SCCM client cache size on Windows 11 helps prevent software deployment issues caused by insufficient cache storage. The process is simple, whether done through the Configuration Manager Properties, command line, or registry edits.

Always ensure you have enough disk space before increasing the cache size, and consider managing cache size centrally for multiple clients via SCCM Console settings.

Following this step-by-step guide will help you maintain efficient software distribution and avoid common errors related to cache size limitations.

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