Citrix Workspace app for Windows: Transition to 64-bit Architecture — FAQ

General Transition Overview

Why is Citrix transitioning from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture?

Citrix is moving to 64-bit to align with industry standards for modern Windows environments. This ensures future compatibility with Windows operating system updates and Citrix Workspace app releases. Most new Windows features, security enhancements, and hardware optimizations are delivered primarily on 64-bit platforms.

What are the benefits of updating to 64-bit architecture?

Benefits include future compatibility, ongoing support and access to new features, Citrix-specific security updates for 64-bit only, simplified maintenance, and streamlined development and testing. Performance, stability, and security improvements are also expected.

What is the timeline for 64-bit adoption and 32-bit deprecation?

• CWA 2511 (Dec 2025): 64-bit Tech Preview and SDK available
• 2603 (early 2026): 64-bit General Availability (GA), both 32-bit and 64-bit installers provided
• 2607 LTSR: Final release supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit
• After 2607 LTSR: Only 64-bit supported; 32-bit installer discontinued
• 2707 LTSR: Deadline for updating custom Virtual Channels for 64-bit compatibility

What is the end-of-support date for 32-bit versions? Will Citrix provide extended support?

32-bit support ends 12 months after the release of 2607 LTSR. No extended support will be offered. Migration to 64-bit is required for future updates.

Installer Availability and Upgrade Paths

When will the 64-bit SDK be available?

The 64-bit SDK is released with Citrix Workspace app 2511 64-bit Tech Preview in December 2025.

Can endpoints upgrade directly from 32-bit to 64-bit via auto update?

Yes, if the endpoint is running version 2511 or later and administrators configure the opt-in policy for 64-bit upgrades.

What happens if an endpoint is running a version prior to 2511?

Endpoints running versions before 2511 must upgrade to 2511 before auto-update can apply the new logic for 64-bit migration. Manual updates are not affected.

How do administrators enable auto-update to 64-bit?

Use the new GPO settings introduced in version 2511, and configure the policy in the updated ADMX file or in GACS to opt in for 64-bit upgrades. Without this policy, auto updates remain on 32-bit tracks.

Are GPO settings required for SCCM or manual upgrades?

No. GPO settings apply only to auto-update scenarios. Manual installations and SCCM deployments do not require policy enforcement.

Will the upgrade process require a reboot?

A reboot might be required after an upgrade, but this is not determined by whether the app is 32-bit or 64-bit. Reboots depend on driver or system component changes during installation.

What happens if a user manually installs a 64-bit version over the same 32-bit version?

The installer will not proceed and will indicate that the version is already installed. To switch architectures within the same version, uninstall the 32-bit version before installing the 64-bit version.

Will downgrades from 64-bit to 32-bit be allowed?

No. The installer blocks any attempt to install a 32-bit version over an existing 64-bit installation.

Do I need to uninstall the 32-bit version before installing 64-bit?

No. The 64-bit installer replaces the 32-bit version during the upgrade process.

Can I use the same installer for both architectures during the transition period?

No. The 32-bit and 64-bit installers are separate packages. Both will be available during the transition period.

Is silent installation supported for 64-bit?

Yes. Silent installation is supported for the 64-bit version using standard command-line parameters.

Support and Compatibility

What happens to 32-bit support after 2607 LTSR and 2608 CR?

After 2607 LTSR, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions receive updates for up to 12 months, until 2707 LTSR. After 2608 CR, 32-bit support ends for the Current Release track; all CR versions starting with 2611 will be 64-bit only.

How long will the 32-bit installer receive updates and hotfixes?
Up to 12 months after 2607 LTSR.

Will 32-bit Citrix Workspace app still receive security updates on 64-bit Windows?

Microsoft provides operating system-level security updates for 32-bit applications through WOW64. Citrix-specific updates will be available only for the 64-bit version after 32-bit support ends.

Are there any known compatibility issues with third-party plug-ins or virtual channels?

Yes. Third-party or custom Virtual Channels must be updated for 64-bit compatibility using the 64-bit SDK.

What plug-ins will be supported with the 64-bit version?

The 64-bit version includes support for 64-bit Microsoft Teams and Zoom plug-ins.

What changes are required for custom Virtual Channels to support 64-bit?

Custom Virtual Channels must be recompiled using the 64-bit SDK and tested for compatibility.

Will Citrix provide sample code or migration guides for SDK updates?

Yes. Citrix provides updated documentation and migration guides on the Citrix Developer Portal.

Policy and Configuration Management

Will my existing GPO policies work with the 64-bit version?

Yes. Existing GPO policies should continue to work, provided you use the latest Citrix ADMX/ADML template files for the 64-bit release.

Will my existing GACS configuration work with the 64-bit version?
Yes. GACS settings are designed to work across both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Check for any new settings introduced with version 2511 and later.

Will my existing StoreFront configuration work with the 64-bit version?

Yes. StoreFront configuration continues to work. Make sure that you are running a supported version of StoreFront for the release you plan to deploy.

Will my existing Delivery Groups continue to work with the 64-bit version?

Yes. Delivery Groups continue to work. The architecture change does not affect configuration or delivery.

Do I need to update my Citrix ADMX templates for 64-bit?

Yes. Update to the latest ADMX/ADML templates provided with the 64-bit release.

Does Citrix Endpoint Management (CEM) require any changes for 64-bit deployments?

No major changes are required. Make sure that you are using the latest CEM policies and validate any custom configurations after upgrade.

Registry, Customization, and User Data

Where will the registry settings be located for the 64-bit version?

Registry settings are primarily under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Citrix and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Citrix. Policy-driven settings are under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Citrix.

If I have custom configuration implemented via registry keys, what will happen when I upgrade?

Custom registry configurations generally persist if stored under the correct registry paths. For 32-bit installations on 64-bit Windows, settings under Wow6432Node will not automatically migrate; replicate them under the native 64-bit paths as needed.

Will my existing Citrix Receiver configurations migrate automatically?

Most Citrix Receiver configurations migrate automatically when upgrading to Citrix Workspace app 64-bit. Validate custom settings and registry keys after upgrade.

Will my Citrix Workspace app shortcuts and user profiles remain intact after upgrading?

Yes. Shortcuts and user profiles typically remain intact. Verify custom paths or scripts that reference the old installation directory.

Security and Compliance

Are there any new security features in the 64-bit version?

The 64-bit version benefits from modern OS-level security enhancements and future Citrix security updates. No new security features are introduced solely due to the architecture change.

Will my current security hardening guidelines still apply?

Yes. Existing hardening guidelines remain applicable. Review Citrix’s updated documentation for any new recommendations.

Does the 64-bit version support FIPS mode and other compliance settings?

Yes. FIPS mode and compliance settings are supported, provided they are configured according to Citrix guidelines.

Functionality and Performance

Are there any functional differences between 32-bit and 64-bit versions?

No. The transition is architectural, not feature-based. Future enhancements are delivered only for 64-bit.

Will the 64-bit version support all existing Citrix features (such as HDX, Teams optimization)?

Yes. All existing features are supported. Make sure to use compatible versions of plug-ins and optimizations.

Does the 64-bit version improve memory handling or scalability?

Yes. 64-bit architecture enables better memory addressing and scalability, though no explicit performance gains are claimed yet.

Partner and Developer Guidance

What should partners do to prepare for the transition?

Download the 64-bit SDK, update and test custom Virtual Channel solutions, plan migration, communicate timelines to customers, and monitor Citrix documentation for guidance.

Where can I download the 64-bit SDK?

The 64-bit SDK is available with Citrix Workspace app 2511 Tech Preview on the Citrix Workspace app download site and Developer portal.