Citrix Workspace Web Extension
Citrix Workspace Web Extension establishes a secure and reliable connection between Citrix Workspace web client and locally installed Citrix Workspace app. It streamlines the opening of apps and desktops from the web client to the native app, which uses HDX protocol. When you access the web client and open any apps or desktops after installing this extension on your browser, the extension opens the app or desktop from your native Citrix Workspace app.
Note:
User needs to have the Citrix Workspace app client natively installed on their device for this extension to work. To download Citrix Workspace app, visit the Citrix Downloads page.
The Citrix Workspace Web Extension is supported on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari browsers. The extension is available for both cloud and on-premises stores.
For more information about the web extension on the StoreFront, see Citrix Workspace web extensions on StoreFront.
Supported Browsers
| Browser name | Operating system | Version |
|---|---|---|
| Citrix Enterprise Browser | Windows, Mac | Latest browser version is supported |
| Google Chrome | Windows | Latest browser version is supported |
| Microsoft Edge | Windows | Latest browser version is supported |
| Apple Safari | Mac | Latest browser version is supported |
Benefits of Citrix Workspace Web Extension
The web extension enhances the reliability and security of hybrid deployments. It comes with the following built-in features.
Seamless opening of desktops and apps
Normally, the Citrix Workspace web client uses Citrix Workspace launcher to detect the locally installed Citrix Workspace app and opens apps in-memory. However, depending on the browser, the user might need to click through a pop-up on every launch. The Workspace Web extension allows the web client to seamlessly opens desktops and apps with no browser pop-ups.The Citrix Workspace web client can leverage the extension’s functionality to open apps and desktops in native Citrix Workspace app without verifying through client detection whether the Citrix Workspace app is installed locally. This provides a more seamless experience for users in opening apps or desktops as the client detection step is bypassed.
More reliable launches for StoreFront GSLB deployments
When using multiple StoreFront deployments behind a Global Server Load Balancer (GSLB), the responses might be directed to the wrong server, leading failures in opening apps and desktops. This can be mitigated through GSLB configuration but it is complex to configure. Citrix Workspace Web Extension allows for reliable client detection and opening of apps and desktops with no special configuration for GSLB deployments.
Service Continuity for Workspace
If a user is unable to sign in to their Workspace, Service Continuity enables them to open their resources in offline mode. For more information, see Service Continuity.
When accessing a Workspace from a web browser, users must install Citrix Web Extension to enable service continuity. During the initial sign in, the extension stores connection leases. Subsequently, if sign in fails after two minutes, the Citrix Web Extension displays a prompt to use Offline Mode.
Users can continue their work without losing their data, enhancing work productivity. Once connectivity is restored, users can click Reconnect to Workspace to switch to online mode.
Note:
This functionality applies only when using Workspace, not StoreFront.
App Protection for Workspace
When using Workspace, the web extension allows users to view and open apps that have App Protection enabled. This feature prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information from apps by protecting users from keylogging, screen capturing, and other security threats.
For more information, see App Protection.
Note:
Unlike Workspace, StoreFront doesn’t require Workspace web extensions for app protection. For more information, see StoreFront documentation.
Reference articles
- Citrix Workspace web extensions on StoreFront
- Citrix Workspace product documentation
- Citrix Workspace app product documentation
- Support for browser extensions on Citrix Enterprise Browser
- Get secure, reliable access to Citrix Workspace through Citrix Workspace browser extension
- Service Continuity - Citrix Workspace with DaaS Deployments