Citrix Workspace app for Windows - Preview

The generally available version of Citrix Workspace app for Windows is 2508.10. For more information on the current release, see About this release.

Note:

• If.NET isn’t installed on the system or a version less than 8.0.16 is installed on the system, Citrix Workspace app installs .NET version 8.0.16.

• If you install any supported higher version of .NET, Citrix Workspace app is compatible with the highest available .NET version (up to 8.x).

What’s new in 2511

The following is a list of features that are available in Citrix Workspace™ app 2511 for Windows:

• Session Recording add-on support
• New GACS administrative settings
• Citrix Troubleshoot Connection - Remediation action
• Endpoint Analysis (EPA) client installation behavior in admin mode
• Citrix Enterprise Browser
• Default installation of Zoom VDI plugin Management
• Multi-monitor experience enhancements
• Connection Strength Indicator 15-Minute Connection History
• Controlling Connection Strength Indicator (CSI) Notifications
• Optimized Overlay Clipping for Multimedia Sessions
• Browser profile sharing improves user experience in Browser Content Redirection
• AI Upscaling with NVIDIA RTX Super Resolution in HDX Graphics
• Persistent HDX background blur for enhanced privacy and flexibility
• Enhanced EDT lossy connection support with Secure HDX
• Improved Experience When Launching Virtual Desktops or Apps with Offline IPP Printers
• New Shortcut Control Setting for Citrix Workspace App for Windows
• Enhanced Touch Keyboard Experience
• Enhanced Crash Monitoring for App Protection
• Deprecation of Heavyweight Compression for Printing

Session Recording add-on support

The Session Recording add-on extends session monitoring capabilities directly to the endpoint device, providing comprehensive oversight of user activity across various applications and endpoint environments. This integration streamlines deployment and reduces administrative overhead.

Command-line installation

To install or upgrade the Session Recording add-on, use the following command-line option:

/InstallSRAgent

To install the add-on without upgrading it if the Session Recording agent is already present. use the below command-line option. This option is ideal for devices where Session Recording agent deployment is managed separately from Citrix Workspace app.

/InstallSRAgent /SkipSRAgentUpgrade

New GACS administrative settings

Starting with Citrix Workspace app for Windows version 2511, the Global App Configuration Service (GACS) now supports several new administrative settings, expanding configuration flexibility beyond traditional Group Policy Objects (GPO). These settings now allow administrators to manage key features even for non-domain-joined devices, improving consistency across hybrid environments. Newly supported configurations include:

• Disable sending data to third-party services (for example, Google Analytics)
• Always-On Tracing for enhanced diagnostics
• Silent authentication for seamless user sign-in
• Hide Send Feedback option
• Single sign-on for NetScaler Gateway
• Don’t create Add or Remove Programs entry (also available through GPO)
• Silently uninstall removed resources (also available through GPO)
• Prevent storing persistent cookies

These additions help streamline policy enforcement and improve user experience across managed and unmanaged endpoints.

Citrix Troubleshoot Connection - Remediation action

Citrix Workspace app 2511 introduces a self-healing session launch experience that empowers users to resolve certain connection failures without IT intervention. When a session fails to launch, users are now presented with a clear explanation of the issue, such as a VDI being unresponsive, and are offered a Fix Issue button. In scenarios where the root cause is recoverable (for example, the VDI requires a reboot), clicking this button initiates the corrective action automatically. Throughout the process, users receive real-time feedback on the session state, significantly reducing frustration and support calls while improving time-to-resolution.

Endpoint Analysis (EPA) client installation behavior in admin mode

Starting with Citrix Workspace app for Windows version 2511, the Endpoint Analysis (EPA) client is automatically installed with administrative privileges when deployed with Citrix Workspace app. If a user attempts to install a newer version of EPA through an in-app prompt, the installation might fail. This issue occurs because the update is triggered in user mode, even when the user has administrative privileges. For a consistent and successful installation experience, deploy EPA updates using admin-level installation methods. This approach is especially important in environments where the Citrix Workspace app is installed in admin mode by default.

Citrix Enterprise Browser

Starting with version 2511, the Citrix Enterprise Browser (CEB) is no longer integrated into the Workspace app installation package. If required, users and administrators can now install CEB independently by downloading it directly from the Citrix Downloads page, located under the Citrix Enterprise Browser section.

Default installation of Zoom VDI plugin Management

With this release, the Zoom VDI plugin Management is selected by default during product installation. This ensures that users immediately benefit from enhanced performance and seamless integration with Zoom Optimization without requiring manual selection. However, users still have the flexibility to deselect the option during the interactive setup process if they prefer not to install it. This provides a streamlined initial user experience while retaining customization control.

Multi-monitor experience enhancements

Citrix Workspace App introduces significant enhancements to the multi-monitor experience across Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, providing a more consistent and intuitive workflow for users operating with multiple displays—especially in high-demand environments such as trading, DevOps, and simulation.

Previously, users on Windows were required to manually stretch session windows across monitors, with limited support for unmanaged or BYO devices. On macOS, multi-monitor settings were difficult to find and disconnected from core device preferences, while ChromeOS offered toolbar access but lacked clear visibility into key configuration options. Additionally, session behavior during monitor plug/unplug events (like docking and undocking) was often unstable, leading to erratic resizing and misalignment, and support for mixed DPI configurations was inconsistent.

With this update, Workspace App now features a unified and easily discoverable interface. Users can select specific monitors for session display directly from the toolbar or user preferences, removing the need to rely solely on an all displays toggle. Session behavior during monitor plug or unplug events, such as docking and undocking, has been stabilized to minimize unnecessary resizing and misalignment. Furthermore, support for mixed DPI configurations across monitors has been improved, ensuring consistent rendering and layout regardless of display differences. These changes eliminate previous competitive gaps and deliver a smoother, more reliable multi-monitor experience across all supported platforms.

Connection Strength Indicator 15-Minute Connection History

From this release, the Connection Strength Indicator (CSI) now incorporates a 15-minute connection history graph. This graph presents a visual overview of their recent network performance. When users hover over any point on the line graph, a tooltip appears showing the exact time and connection status at that point, helping users better understand fluctuations in session quality and identify potential network issues.

Controlling Connection Strength Indicator (CSI) Notifications

Starting with Citrix Workspace app for Windows version 2511, Connection Strength Indicator (CSI) provides real-time feedback and recommendations to help users understand and improve their session performance. For managed devices, administrators can disable CSI notifications and recommendations centrally.

Admins can disable this setting using Group Policy Editor by enabling Manage Connection Strength Indicator Notifications. The policy can be found under: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Citrix Components > Citrix Workspace > User Experience. Once the policy has been set to Disabled, end users will not receive CSI-based notifications.

For BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) users, the CSI interface includes an option to manually disable these notifications within the app settings, giving users control over their experience. csi-notification

Optimized Overlay Clipping for Multimedia Sessions

This release introduces Optimized Overlay Clipping, which enhances both performance and visual accuracy during multimedia sessions using HDX Microsoft Teams Optimization and Unified Communications Software Development Kit (UCSDK) Optimization.

Improved Visual Accuracy: Optimized Overlay Clipping resolves issues where user interface elements, such as pop-up menus or notifications, would incorrectly appear behind video content. This improvement provides a more seamless and predictable experience.

Enhanced Performance: By replacing legacy polling methods with a more efficient graphics-based approach, this feature reduces CPU utilization on the Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA). As a result, you benefit from better scalability and support for higher user density.

Note:

Functionality depends on CVAD 2511 and on a future version of Microsoft Teams or other UCSDK partner application.

Browser profile sharing improves user experience in Browser Content Redirection

Browser Content Redirection now includes the Profile Sharing feature, making your experience more seamless. With profile sharing, authentication and cookies are managed on the Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) side. You no longer need to sign in multiple times—your authentication and cookies persist across Browser Content Redirection sessions, even when you close and reopen the window. This update enhances security by making sure authentication starts from the VDA, not from the client.

Server-side certificate validation adds security to Browser Content Redirection

Browser Content Redirection now supports server-side certificate validation. When you access a redirected website from the client, the client overlay browser might not trust the certificate from the server or a (MitM) proxy. With this enhancement, Browser Content Redirection can validate host or proxy certificates against the VDA’s certificate store, helping you maintain a secure connection.

AI Upscaling with NVIDIA RTX Super Resolution in HDX Graphics

With this release, Citrix Workspace app for Windows integrates NVIDIA RTX Super Resolution into the HDX Graphics protocol. This feature intelligently upscales transient content on the client device. As a result, bandwidth consumption is reduced while image quality and fidelity remain high, even in graphically intensive remote desktop and application sessions. By offloading upscaling to the endpoint GPU, this approach minimizes resource usage on the VDA and enhances performance in challenging network conditions.

Persistent HDX background blur for enhanced privacy and flexibility

HDX background blur automatically obscures your webcam background in all camera-enabled applications. This feature helps protect your privacy, even when you use applications outside of conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Previously, this setting would reset with each new session, requiring you to manually re-enable it. With this enhancement, your background blur setting persists across sessions. This offers a more consistent and secure experience, especially if you rely on this feature throughout the day (for example, during Google Meet calls). Additionally, administrators can now set the default background blur state (enabled or disabled) and control whether users can change this setting in Desktop Viewer preferences. This flexibility allows your organization to enforce privacy policies as needed.

Enhanced EDT lossy connection support with Secure HDX

Citrix Workspace app for Windows now includes enhanced logic for EDT (Enlightened Data Transport) lossy connections in direct communication scenarios between the client and the Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA). Previously, enabling EDT lossy for audio and graphics transmission required DTLS. Now, this requirement has been removed, simplifying configuration and improving flexibility.

With this update, Secure HDX 2.0 is now recognized as a valid encryption method for lossy packets, eliminating the dependency on DTLS when Secure HDX is in use. This improvement delivers a more secure and flexible connection experience. It is beneficial for environments using HDX Direct or Secure HDX configurations, while encryption standards are maintained without relying solely on DTLS.

Improved Experience When Launching Virtual Desktops or Apps with Offline IPP Printers

Starting with Citrix Workspace app for Windows version 2511, launch delays caused by offline Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printers have been resolved. Previously, users encountered a Please wait dialog when launching virtual desktops or applications if an IPP printer added to their local computer was offline or disconnected.

With this update, users will no longer see the Please wait dialog in these cases. As a result, the launch experience is smoother and more consistent, without interruptions from offline IPP printers.

New Shortcut Control Setting for Citrix Workspace App for Windows

Previously, system keyboard shortcuts control was available only in Citrix Workspace app for Mac, allowing users to choose whether shortcuts are processed locally or within the virtual desktop or application session. Windows users did not have this flexibility.

These additions help streamline policy enforcement and improve user experience across managed and unmanaged endpoints.

Changes to this setting apply in real time without requiring session restart. Administrators can manage this setting through multiple methods including the user interface, registry configuration, and Group Policy (ADMX) templates.

Enhanced Touch Keyboard Experience

Starting with version 2511, Citrix Workspace app for Windows enhances the touch keyboard experience on Windows VDA with comprehensive improvements for both keyboard functionality and session view management.

Key enhancements include:

• Intelligent Touch Keyboard Detection: With improved accuracy in detecting when to show or hide, the touch keyboard automatically appears and disappears as needed. This enhancement results in a more intuitive and seamless typing experience for users.
• Expanded Input Support: Support for handwriting input, non-CJK input, and emoji integration, offering broader input choices and compatibility for multilingual and touch-enabled environments.
• Improved Auto-scroll and Resize Session View:
  • For windowed desktop sessions, the session window no longer triggers resolution changes when the touch keyboard appears or disappears. The session window automatically repositions itself when the touch keyboard appears.
  • The input cursor is no longer covered by the touch keyboard when you type in the bottom area of the session application.
  • When you tap the Windows search box or Start menu in the taskbar, the session window moves to ensure UI elements are not covered by the touch keyboard. This allows you to view input in the bottom search box and interact with other elements.

Enhanced Crash Monitoring for App Protection

This feature enhances the ability to monitor and report crashes caused by App Protection DLLs. It enables faster identification and resolution of compatibility issues, helping to minimize user disruptions and improve the overall reliability of App Protection.

Deprecation of Heavyweight Compression for Printing

Support for heavyweight compression in relation to printing has been deprecated in VDA releases starting from 2507. In 64-bit versions of Citrix Workspace app (x64 and ARM64), images included in print jobs that use heavyweight compression from older VDAs, where the option remains selectable, may not be printed correctly. To avoid printing issues in these scenarios, do not use heavyweight compression when sending print jobs.

Fixed issue in 2511

• When App Protection is enabled, you might notice that the Give Take Control option in HDX Optimized Teams is blocked. [HDX-83043]

• You might have noticed unexpected behavior where certain browser keyboard shortcuts could launch a non-sandboxed browser window during a Browser Content Redirection (BCR) session. The affected shortcuts are now blocked and can no longer trigger this action. [CVADHELP-29954]

• You might notice that Citrix favorited apps are displayed in Apps and Features even when DontCreateAddRemoveEntry is set to true. [RFWIN-40105]

• When using a Bluetooth Apple keyboard with anti-keylogging enabled, random letters might appear in Citrix Workspace app. [CVADHELP-25472]

Known issue in 2511

There are no known issues in 2511