Citrix Workspace

App and desktop details

Displays power state of dedicated desktops

The Workspace User Interface (UI) now provides visibility into the power state of your dedicated desktops. The power state indicates whether a dedicated desktop is Powered On, Powered Off, or in a suspended state (in Hibernation). This enhancement allows users to quickly identify the status of their desktops, enabling them to make informed decisions and manage their resources more effectively.

Notes:

  • This feature is enabled by default.
  • This feature is backward compatible with previous versions of Citrix Workspace app.

Power state

Feature overview

The capability to display and manage the power state of dedicated desktops is integrated directly into the Workspace UI. Users can observe the power status of each dedicated desktop resource, which is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.

Key functionalities

The key functionalities include:

  • Real-Time Power State Display: Each dedicated desktop tile within the Workspace UI prominently displays its current power state (for example, Powered On, Powered Off, Hibernated). This status is refreshed approximately every two minutes while the user is active in the Workspace interface. A tooltip is also available, indicating the last time the status was refreshed.

  • Integrated Power Actions: Users can perform power-related actions directly from the desktop tile using the More options menu (ellipsis icon). Available actions dynamically change based on the desktop’s current power state.

  • Action Progress Indication: The Workspace UI provides visual feedback for ongoing power actions, for example, Shutting down, Force quitting, Hibernating directly on the desktop tile. Launch progress indicators, for example, Awaiting Registration are also visible on the tile in the web interface.

  • Activity Manager Synchronization: The power state feature is synchronized with the Activity Manager, providing a consistent view of resource status.

The Citrix Workspace app installed on the user’s device communicates with the Workspace Platform to retrieve power state information for dedicated desktops. The power status is fetched at regular intervals and when users perform specific actions, such as opening a dedicated desktop, to ensure that the displayed status remains current. Users see the power state immediately after signing into their Workspace.

Power state indicators

The following power state indicators might be displayed for dedicated desktops:

  • Powered On: Indicates that the dedicated desktop is active and running. With dedicated resources, the power state typically remains in a “Powered On” state even if the user disconnects from their session.

  • Powered Off: Indicates that the dedicated desktop has been shut down and is not currently running.

  • Hibernated: Indicates that the dedicated desktop is in a hibernation state, where its current session is saved to disk, and the machine is using minimal power.

Note:

If the power state of a resource cannot be determined, no status is displayed on the tile.

Power actions

You can perform power actions using the More options menu. The More options menu (ellipsis icon) on each dedicated desktop tile provides users with access to relevant power actions. The options presented are context-sensitive and depend on the current power state of the resource.

These actions might include:

  • Shutdown: Initiates a graceful shutdown of the dedicated desktop.
  • Restart: Initiates a restart of the dedicated desktop.
  • Resume: Wakes the dedicated desktop from a hibernated state.
  • Hibernate: Puts the dedicated desktop into a hibernation state.
  • Force Quit: (If applicable and available) Forcibly stops processes or the desktop.

    Power actions

  • Administrative Control: Administrators can disable these power actions at the user group level if required by organizational policies.

Important considerations

  • During an ongoing power action, for example Shutting down, other power actions on that specific desktop tile are temporarily disabled to prevent conflicts.
    • As of the initial rollout, regular launch and restart actions initiated through other means might still be available while a power action is in progress. This behavior is slated for review in subsequent updates to prevent potential conflicts.
  • The integration with Activity Manager is ongoing. Future enhancements include integrating actions such as disconnect and logout directly into the desktop tile for a more unified experience.
  • If powering on a dedicated desktop fails in the native Citrix Workspace app, the status updates only after the next two-minute polling cycle or when you click the ellipsis menu.
  • Because polling occurs every two minutes, you see intermediate power state changes in the next polling cycle or when you click the ellipsis menu on the desktop tile.

Known issues

  • When you launch one of multiple power-managed desktops, Workspace might show inconsistent power statuses for the other desktops until the first desktop completes launching. [WSUI-10870]
App and desktop details