Citrix Workspace app deployment
Note:
These settings only apply to hybrid launches, i.e. when users open the store in their web browser but launch resources within Citrix Workspace app. If you have configured StoreFront Launch preferences to always open resources in a web browser, these settings do not apply.
By default, when a user first opens a store in their web browser on Windows, macOS, or Linux, StoreFront attempts to determine whether Citrix Workspace app is installed locally. If a locally deployed Citrix Workspace app cannot be detected, the user is prompted to download and install it. The default download location is the Citrix website, but you can also host the installers on the StoreFront server or elsewhere. Once it is installed, users can either open the locally installed Citrix Workspace app and connect it to the store, or continue in their browser but connect to virtual apps and desktops in their locally installed Citrix Workspace app HDX client.
To modify deployment options, go to Edit Receiver for web site and select the Deploy Citrix Receiver/Workspace app tab.
Require end users to use the locally installed Citrix app only
Administrators can enforce the use of the native Citrix Workspace app, eliminating the option for users to access the Citrix Workspace web client on browsers. This feature is designed for customers who want to leverage the full benefits of the native app. The native app offers advantages such as built-in App Protection service, no browser version compatibility issues, enhanced security and telemetry for monitoring and troubleshooting.
Note:
This feature is disabled by default. Administrators must configure it to enable it. For more information, see the Configuration section.
Enforcing native Citrix Workspace app on user devices implies restricting end users to sign in and use only the locally installed Citrix Workspace app. By doing so, end users don’t have the option to access Citrix Workspace web client in browsers. This feature is designed for customers who want to leverage the full benefits of the native app.
The native Citrix Workspace app offers the following advantages:
-
Enhanced security as
.icafiles are handled securely and never downloaded. - Enhanced reliability for opening apps and desktops without needing to deploy on the Citrix Workspace Web Extensions.
- In-built App Protection service provides an additional layer of security to protect against keylogging and screen-capturing malware.
- Better telemetry because the native app offers extensive information for monitoring purposes.
- Enhanced HDX capabilities with enhanced features such as optimized codec compression and efficient audio-video compression. These improvements ensure high quality and performance for tasks involving high-definition content or graphics-intensive apps.
Configuration
Administrators can follow these steps to mandate the use of native Citrix Workspace app on user devices on StoreFront 2411 version and later:
- Log on to the StoreFront server using an account with local administrator permissions.
- Select the Stores node in the left pane, and in the Actions pane, click Manage Receiver for Web.
-
Click Configure > Deploy Citrix Receiver/Workspace app.
- Select the option Require end users to use locally installed Citrix app only.
- Click OK.
For more information about the end user experience for this feature, see End user experience.
Allow users to download Citrix Workspace app
If you select Allow users to download HDX engine (plug in), the first time a user logs on to a device on Windows or Mac, they are given the option to download the app.
Warning:
If you clear Allow users to download HDX engine (plug in) then this disables in-memory ICA launches, which causes users to download ICA files. Therefore it is recommended that you enable this setting even if you deploy Citrix Workspace app using other mechanisms.
Upgrade Workspace app on logon
If you select Upgrade plug-in at logon, users are offered a choice to upgrade the Citrix Workspace app locally installed client when they log on. Users may choose to skip the upgrade and will not be prompted to upgrade again unless their browser cookies are cleared. To enable this feature, ensure the Citrix Workspace app files are available on the StoreFront server.
Download source
When end users click the download button you can choose whether they are redirected to the Citrix website or to download files directly from the server. You can choose Citrix website, Local files on the StoreFront server or Files on remote server (through URL).
PowerShell SDK
To configure these settings using the Powershell SDK, use cmdlet Set-STFWebReceiverPluginAssistant.