Cache / Array Share Control for Unraid

An Unraid 6.12+ plugin that gives every user share three explicit, mutually exclusive tickboxes:

• Cache → Array: Primary storage is the chosen pool, Secondary storage is Array.
• Cache only: Primary storage is the chosen pool, Secondary storage is None.
• Array only: Mover runs first; after verification, Primary storage is Array and Secondary storage is None.

The plugin uses Unraid's native /update.htm share-update interface, creates a timestamped backup before every batch, verifies every applied change, and can restore the most recent un-restored batch.

For an Array-only selection, the plugin:

1. Creates a backup of the original share policies.
2. Temporarily sets those shares to Pool → Array.
3. Starts Unraid's global Mover and waits for it to finish in a background job.
4. Checks every configured, mounted pool for files belonging to the selected shares.
5. If Force remaining is ticked for a share, copies its leftovers directly from the pool to /mnt/user0, removing each source file only after a successful copy.
6. Verifies the selected pool locations again and applies Array-only only when they are clear.

In a mixed operation, shares selected as Cache only are not included in the post-Mover remaining-files check. Their Cache-only policy is applied after the Array-only shares pass that check. Cache only does not move existing Array files onto the pool; it directs new writes to the chosen pool.

If files remain, Array-only is not applied and the safe Pool → Array policy is left in place. The automatic Restore button is also disabled for that failed safety operation so it cannot reintroduce the unsafe policy. This can happen when Docker containers or VMs keep files open. Because Unraid Mover is global, other shares can also be moved according to their own policies during this operation.

Force remaining is a separate per-share choice and is disabled until Array only is selected for that row. Stop Docker and VMs before forcing files so an application cannot modify a file while it is being transferred.

The Force all selected Array-only button ticks Force remaining for every row that is currently selected as Array only, avoiding the need to tick each one manually. It does not select any additional shares.

Install

Via Community Applications: search for "Cache / Array Share Control" in the Apps tab and click Install.

Manually: in the Unraid webGUI go to Plugins → Install Plugin and paste:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RayMunro/unraid-cache-array-share/main/cache-array-share.plg

Then open Settings → User Utilities → Cache / Array Share Control. The package is embedded directly in the .plg, so nothing else needs to be downloaded or copied by hand.

Build and test

./build.sh
php tests/run.php

Safety

• Nothing is selected by default, and only one tickbox can be selected per share.
• All three Select all actions exclude system-dependent shares. Those shares remain available for deliberate manual selection.
• Only explicitly selected shares are changed.
• All unrelated share settings are preserved.
• A backup and manifest are created before the first change.
• Completed changes are rolled back if a later share fails.
• appdata, domains, system, isos, and custom shares referenced by Docker or VM configuration are visibly marked as system-dependent.
• Unavailable pools or files remaining after Mover prevent Array-only from being applied.
• Forced transfers use the Array-only /mnt/user0 path and are verified before the policy changes.

Author: Ray Munro
Copyright © Ray Munro 2026
License: GPL-3.0-or-later