Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS - Preview
This documentation describes the features and configuration of Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2411. This version is the preview for the latest version of Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS.
Early Adopter Release (EAR) build for 2411 is available on:
EAR build is for the purpose of testing or validation with the intent to make organizations ready for the upcoming release and is NOT advised to be deployed in production environments.
For more information on how to install the EAR build, see To access the EAR build.
What’s new
This release is compatible with ChromeOS version 130. This release addresses areas that improve overall performance and stability. The following are the features:
Scanner redirection support
Starting with the 2405 version, you can connect a scanning device to your local machine and redirect the scanner to a virtual session.
Starting with the 2411 version, optimized scanner redirection is generally available. This feature enhances performance and efficiency.
Notes:
- This feature is enabled by default starting Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 2411 version.
- To enable the feature for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 2407 version, follow the steps provided in the Prerequisites section.
- This feature supports Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops version 2407 and later.
Scanner redirection prerequisites
Enable the SANE redirection policy in DDC as follows:
- Sign in to the Desktop Delivery Controller (DDC) machine, and open Citrix Studio.
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Click Policies > Create Policy. The Create Policy dialog box appears.
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Search for SANE scanner redirection as shown.
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Select the SANE scanner redirection option. The Edit Settings dialog box appears. Select the Allowed option.
- Click OK.
Feature limitations
- If a session is using the scanner and a scan is in progress, attempting to use the scanner from a second session causes the first session’s scan operation to fail abruptly.
- The Silent scanning option that is used to allow document scanning without user approval isn’t available in Kiosk settings from the Google Admin Console. For more information, see the partner ticket.
- Some of the scanner features might not function as expected. For example, page width, page height, paper size, brightness, and contrast. The issue occurs because of a third-party scanner API bug regarding Option descriptors. [RFHTMCRM-13829]
Configurations
For managed users, to allow document scanning without user approval, admins can enable the Silent scanning option from the Google admin console.
To enable silent scanning:
- Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Apps and Extensions.
- Choose the Citrix Workspace app ID.
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Enable the Silent scanning option available on the right panel.
- Save the changes.
Sustainability initiative from Citrix Workspace app
Previously, virtual desktops were left in a disconnected state when users closed them by tapping the X button. This consumed unnecessary energy and power resources.
Starting from the 2405 version, we have introduced a sustainability initiative that encourages users to conserve energy that might be used due to running unused virtual desktops.
Starting from the 2411 version, admins can customize the disconnect and log out dialog box contents.
With this feature enabled, when users tap on the X icon to disconnect the session, a prompt is displayed to log out from the desktop session. This feature can be helpful in enterprises that use Windows OS policies to shut down VMs when no users are logged in.
Note: This feature is disabled by default. To use this feature, you must enable the new toolbar feature. To enable, see the configuration section in the Improved in-session toolbar feature.
Prerequisites
The minimum StoreFront version required is 2407.
Configuration
Admins can customize the sustainability dialog box contents using the following keywords in DDC for both on-premises and cloud setup:
Keyword | Description |
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ICA-LogOffOnClose | Keyword for enabling/disabling Sustainability. The default value is false. |
ICA-Icon | Keyword for enabling/disabling Sustainability leaf Icon. Even if this setting is empty, the ICA-LogOffOnClose setting applies. |
ICA-PromptMessage | Keyword for customizing the prompt message that appears in the dialog box. If you haven’t given a customized message, then the default message applies. |
ICA-Title | Keyword for customizing the title that appears in the dialog box. If you haven’t given a customized message, then the default message applies. |
For more information about the DDC configuration, see Sustainability initiative from Citrix Workspace app in the Citrix Workspace app for Windows documentation.
Notes:
- The disconnect and log out dialog boxes appear according to the parsed key.
- If you choose not to use the sustainability feature, then the admin can configure the key LogOffOnClose to false. However, the user sees the default dialog box, and can choose to click the “Don’t ask me again” checkbox. When the user clicks this option, the session disconnects, but the dialog box doesn’t appear in subsequent sessions.
End user experience
When users tap on the X icon to disconnect the session, the following prompt appears:
End users can exit from the session in the following two ways:
- Log out to save energy - This sustainability action shuts down the virtual machine and conserves energy. End users must make sure to save their work before logging out.
- Disconnect - click Disconnect to close the virtual desktop session window. However, the virtual session remains active until the next sign-in. End users can resume their work easily.
Note:
The sustainability leaf icon appears only when your admin has enabled the sustainability feature.
Improved in-session toolbar
Starting with the 2405 version, an enhanced toolbar UI appears when you start a desktop session. The look and feel of the in-session toolbar UI has changed. The toolbar UI is designed to enhance the end user experience by organizing the options in a user-friendly manner.
Old toolbar UI
New toolbar UI
Note:
This feature is disabled by default. To enable the feature, follow the configuration steps.
Known issues in the feature
- When you move the toolbar notch in the session, the tooltip for the notch doesn’t appear. [RFHTMCRM-14281]
Configuration in ChromeOS
You can enable the new toolbar UI by using:
- Google Admin Policy
- Global App Configuration service
Google Admin Policy
For managed devices and users, administrators can enable the feature using the Google Admin Policy as follows:
- Sign in to the Google Admin Policy.
- Go to Device management > Chrome Management > User Settings.
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Add the following JSON strings to the
policy.txt
file under theengine_settings
key.Note:
You can apply this configuration on the following as well:
- Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users and browsers > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
- Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Kiosks > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
- Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Managed guest sessions > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
Make sure you set the attribute switchToNewToolbar to true.
The following is an example of JSON data:
{ "engine_settings": { "ui": { "toolbar": { "switchToNewToolbar": true } } } } <!--NeedCopy-->
- Save the changes.
Global App Configuration Service
On the cloud setup, administrators can enable or disable the improved toolbar feature by navigating to Workspace Configuration > App Configuration > Session Experience > Toolbar > New Session Toolbar. Select the checkbox and respective toggle button to enable the feature.
Icons and Actions
Note:
The icons are visible to the end users only if their organization’s admin has enabled the specific feature.
Icon/Action | Description |
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Toolbar notch | When you start an app or a desktop session, the toolbar notch appears at the top of the screen. When you click the notch, the toolbar appears in the unpinned state. Drag and reposition the toolbar notch onto any side of the screen. After you release the mouse, the notch will automatically align itself with the nearest edge. |
Pin | When you pin it, you can drag and reposition the toolbar onto any side of the screen. After you release the mouse, the toolbar automatically aligns itself with the nearest edge. The advantage of pinning the toolbar is that it doesn’t minimize into a notch after you complete an action that involves toolbar icons. |
Unpin | When you unpin the toolbar, it minimizes into a notch after you complete an action that involves toolbar icons. You can drag and reposition the toolbar notch onto any side of the screen. |
Ctrl+Alt+Del | You can perform the Ctrl+Alt+Del function with the click of a button. This option helps users to sign out, switch users, lock the system, or access the Task Manager. |
File transfer
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Multi-monitor
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The Multi-monitor icon appears only when you connect external monitors. For more information, see Multi-monitor . |
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Devices
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Click to open the USB Devices dialog box. Click Add to view the USB devices connected to the local device. The dialog box lists the devices that can be redirected to the session. To redirect the USB devices, select an appropriate device and click Connect. For more information, see USB device redirection. |
Note: You can view the Devices icon only if your IT administrator provides access to connect USB devices through policy settings. | |
Preferences
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Help
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Minimize | You can minimize the session window. |
Fullscreen | You can switch your screen from windowed mode to full-screen mode. In Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS, the fullscreen icon action doesn’t span the session across monitors. However, if you select the monitors from the custom layout and the session spans to the respective monitors, then when you restore, the Fullscreen icon gets replaced by the Extend option. When you click the Extend icon, the session spans to the previously selected monitors. |
Disconnect
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The disconnect action keeps the virtual desktop running. Log out to save energy. |
Note: When admin configures both Log out and Disconnect options, the following message appears. | |
Log out to save energy: the logout action shuts down the virtual machine and conserves energy. End users must make sure to save their work before logging out. | |
Disconnect: closes the virtual desktop session window. However, the virtual session remains active until the next sign-in. End users can resume their work easily. The Sustainability leaf icon appears only when the sustainability feature is enabled. For more information, see Sustainability initiative from Citrix Workspace app. |
Improved support for HTTP proxy
Starting from the 2411 version, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS provides enhanced HTTP proxy support. Enterprises can use this feature for both TCP and UDP connections, ensuring Citrix Workspace app is compatible with your organization’s networking requirements.
Enhanced troubleshooting with endpoint telemetry in Citrix Director
This feature significantly enhances the ability of admins to troubleshoot and resolve Citrix session issues by analyzing detailed endpoint telemetry data directly in Citrix Director.
Prerequisites
- Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2411 and later
- VDA version 2411 and later
- Citrix Director
Support for macOS VDA: clipboard and keyboard shortcuts
Starting with the 2411 release, Citrix Workspace app supports Citrix VDA for macOS. For more information, see Citrix Virtual Delivery Agent for macOS.
The following are the enhancements and bug fixes for accessing clipboard functions on macOS VDA through Citrix Workspace app:
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Previously, on Mac clients, the Command key was always mapped to the Control key in the Citrix Workspace app, preventing Command+C and Command+V, that is, copy and paste shortcuts from working.
Starting with the 2411 release, you can send Command+C and Command+V events when interacting with a Mac VDA. This enhancement ensures the correct interpretation of Command key presses.
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Previously, the direct clipboard (session to local, local to session) didn’t work with the Mac VDA in Citrix Workspace app on non-Mac client while using local shortcuts. In Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS, the Search key (Search key in ChromeOS corresponds to the Win key in Windows, and the Command key in Mac) and search key+ C, search key + V are preoccupied by ChromeOS itself, and can’t pass through into the session.
Starting with the 2411 version, when interacting with Mac VDA from non-Mac clients, with the new option enabled Preference > Keyboard >Use local shortcuts for copy, cut, paste, select all, undo, find, and save you can send Command+C and Command+V events, even if the user presses Control+C and Control+V, moreover you can use your local shortcuts to select all, undo, find, and save in the Mac VDA.
Enhanced desktop launch experience
Starting with version 2411, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS ensures an enhanced desktop launch experience. You’ll experience a seamless, flicker-free transition to your desktop without intermediate screens. The app also eliminates dark screens and flickering during resizing or stretching, providing a stable and modern interface. This feature is enabled by default.
Enhanced virtual desktop screen resizing experience
Starting with the 2411 version, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS ensures a smooth transition and prevents dark screens and flickers when resizing or stretching your virtual desktop screen. This feature is enabled by default.
Enhanced log collection
Starting with version 2411, users can download Citrix Workspace app logs in a zip file, simplifying log retrieval and analysis for better troubleshooting and an improved user experience.
The following are the benefits of the feature:
- Users no longer need to manually gather individual log files.
- The streamlined process makes accessing logs more efficient.
- Easy access to comprehensive logs aids in faster and more effective debugging.
End user experience
On the Logging screen, click Download logs. The app gathers all relevant log files and compresses them into a zip archive. The downloaded file uses a standardized naming convention, such as CWA_CHROME_LOGS_[timestamp].zip, ensuring clarity and easy identification.
Enhanced keyboard and IME diagnostics tool
Starting with version 2411, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS supports a new self-service command line tool hosted in Windows Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) to diagnose keyboard and Input Method Editor (IME) related issues. This tool meets various user requirements, provides platform versatility, and caters to personalized needs. The keyboard and IME functions depend on different configurations and capabilities in VDA and Citrix Workspace apps. Incorrect settings in the VDA or client-side might result in unexpected input behavior.
With this tool, you can easily identify issues that were previously difficult to find. They are:
- Client keyboard layout and VDA keyboard layout inconsistency: The tool checks if the client keyboard layout matches the VDA keyboard layout.
- Keyboard input mode selection for Touch devices: The tool checks the VDA policy and the selected keyboard input mode, and client device type to confirm if keyboard functions work well.
- Transparent key pass through from client to VDA: The tool checks if the “Send More System Shortcuts” function works well with given settings.
- Generic client IME check for East-Asian language input: The tool checks the client keyboard, IME settings, and VDA policies to confirm if the feature generic client IME works well for typing Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages.
Prerequisites
- Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2411 or later.
- Windows VDA 2411 or later.
This command line tool is hosted in Windows VDA as CtxKbImeDiagnostics.exe
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Interface | Description | Note |
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CtxKbimeDiagnostics |
Shows diagnostic results for the current user’s ICA sessions. | If the user has admin privileges, it shows the diagnostic for all active ICA sessions. If the user has no admin privileges, it shows the diagnostics for the current user’s ICA sessions. |
CtxKbimeDiagnostics [-v] |
Shows setting information and diagnostic results for the current user’s ICA sessions. | If the user has admin privileges, it shows the diagnostics for all active ICA sessions. |
CtxKbimeDiagnostics [-v] [-s Session_Id] |
Shows setting information and diagnostic results for the current session. | |
CtxKbimeDiagnostics [-s Session_Id] |
Specific to a session and shows the respective diagnostic results for this session. | If the user has admin privileges, they can query other ICA sessions. If the user has no admin privileges, the user can only query their own ICA sessions. |
CtxKbimeDiagnostics [-s Session_Id] [-v] |
Specific to a session and shows all setting information and diagnostic results for this session. | If the user has admin privileges, they can query other ICA sessions. If the user has no admin privileges, the user can only query their own ICA sessions. |
CtxKbimeDiagnostics [-h] |
Shows supported args/parameters and examples. | “Help” interface |
CtxKbimeDiagnostics [-V] |
Shows the current tool version |
Enhanced session reliability
The following improvements address network disruptions, ensuring a better user experience by reconnecting the session reliably:
- Previously, Citrix Workspace app experienced difficulties connecting and reconnecting during Points-of-Presence (PoPs) outages. Now, the session reconnects during PoP outages.
- Previously, closing the Chromebook lid during an ongoing session caused the session to time out, preventing reconnection. Now, you can reconnect to the session after closing and reopening the lid.
- Previously, switching between internet service providers (ISPs) caused the session to become unresponsive. Now, you can reconnect to the session during ISP switches.
- Previously, switching networks when one Wi-Fi connection lacked internet connectivity caused the session reliability feature to fail. Now, you can reconnect to the session during a network switch.
Technical Preview
Enhanced Display Control with Multi-Monitor Selector
Starting with version 2411, a new Multi-monitor icon has been added to the toolbar, which appears only when more than one screen is connected. The Multi-Monitor Selector (MMS) allows users to choose which displays to use in full-screen mode for desktop sessions only, and not for seamless sessions.
This feature enhances the flexibility and usability of multi-monitor setups in desktop sessions, providing a more tailored and efficient user experience.
Note: This feature is disabled by default.
Prerequisites
If the new toolbar is OFF, the Multi-Monitor Selector feature is also turned OFF.
Multi-monitor toolbar icon
The Multi-monitor toolbar icon includes three drop-down menu options for desktop sessions in full-screen mode:
- Extend to all displays: The session spans across all the available monitors.
- Fullscreen: The session layout changes to full-screen mode in the current monitor.
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Custom Layout: This option opens a custom monitor selector displaying the monitor layout. With this feature, you can configure how your session appears across the monitors. Users can click the rectangles in the selector to choose which screens to use and then click Apply to span the session on those monitors. The layout box arrangement depends on how the monitors are connected.
Known issues in the feature
- In a multi-monitor setup, when you enable Unified Desktop Mode (UDM) and start a desktop session to span across the monitors, the session becomes unresponsive. [RFHTMCRM-14317]
Configuration
You can configure the feature in the following way.
Google Admin Policy
To use this feature, you must enable both the new toolbar and multi-monitor custom layout configurations. For managed devices and users, administrators can enable the feature using the Google Admin Policy as follows:
- Sign in to the Google Admin Policy.
- Go to Device management > Chrome Management > User Settings.
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Add the following JSON strings to the
policy.txt
file under theengine_settings
key.Note:
You can apply this configuration on the following as well:
- Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users and browsers > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
- Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Managed guest sessions > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
Make sure you set the attributes
switchToNewToolbar
andenableMultiMonitorCustomLayout
to true.The following is an example of JSON data:
{ "settings": { "Value": { "settings_version": "1.0", "engine_settings": { "ui": { "toolbar": { "switchToNewToolbar": true } }, "features": { "graphics": { "enableMultiMonitorCustomLayout": true } } } } } } <!--NeedCopy-->
- Save the changes.
Limitations
This feature is not supported for sessions launched in Kiosk mode.
For the complete list of Technical Preview features, see the Features in Technical Preview page.
Fixed issues
- The Common Gateway Protocol (CGP) TCP port 2598 is the default port for session reliability. When the CGP 2598 port is blocked, the session takes more than two minutes to start. Usually, the session starts with ICA default port 1494 without CGP. [RFHTMCRM-14017]
- For BYOD users, the system previously allowed end users to edit the store URL. However, starting from the 2411 release, the system prevents BYOD users from editing the store URL. Users can still edit the store name. [RFHTMCRM-13312]
- When you open Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS in Kiosk mode, USB devices don’t auto-redirect into the session. CVADHELP-26634
- On a Chromebook, in a managed guest session, Citrix Workspace app intermittently fails to open. The following error appears: “error_notConfigured”. The issue occurs on Citrix Workspace app version 2409. [CVADHELP-26780]
- End users might be unable to start any published apps or desktops using Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS. The window displays the status ‘fetching information’ and doesn’t progress. The issue occurs on a SAML-based authenticated cloud store. [CVADHELP-26324]
Known issues
There are no new known issues in this release.
Technical Preview
Features in the Technical Preview are available to use in non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix does not accept support cases for features in technical preview but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance.
Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS - Preview feedback
You can give the EAR feedback at: https://forms.gle/ef3eFFKBk7gvTi1b6.
Important:
The Early Adopter Release (EAR) documentation is available for information purposes only. It isn’t a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code, or functionality and must not be relied upon in making Citrix product purchase decisions. The development, release, and timing of any features or functionality described in the EAR documentation remain at our sole discretion and are subject to change without notice or consultation. Citrix does not accept support cases for EAR but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance.