The beginning of the year has been full of exciting announcements here at Citrix. From high-impact acquisitions to expanded integrations and platform enhancements, we’re continuing to add value for our customers at a faster rate than ever before.

In our recent What’s New and Next with Citrix webinar, we offered a closer look at these updates as our experts walked through what they mean for your business today and what you can expect as we continue through 2025. We also addressed a range of thoughtful audience questions during the live session. Below is a recap of the most relevant Q&A.

Release cadence & what’s included in your entitlement

Q: When is the next Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD) LTSR releasing?
 A: The next LTSR version is 2507, targeted for release this summer. You can already access it through the Early Access Release (EAR) program. Early access release builds are available for customers to test in non-production or limited-production environments and provide feedback. It is advised not to deploy early access release builds in production environments.

Q: Where can I find more details on Citrix release cadence?
 A: We are pleased to announce a new release cadence of three times per year. Citrix releases now include two Current Releases (CRs) in Q1 and Q4 and a Long Term Service Release (LTSR) in late Q2/early Q3 each year, with CRs offering the latest features and LTSRs providing stability and support for production workloads. The first Early Access Release (EAR) of CVAD 2507 LTSR is available today for testing. Check the product lifecycle page for ongoing updates.

Q: Does using Windows 365 with Citrix require extra licensing?
 A: No additional Citrix license is required if you have an active subscription. Customers continue with their Microsoft license for Windows 365 machines. Learn more about our partnership with Microsoft here.

Q: Is Chrome Enterprise Premium included in Citrix licensing?
 A: Yes, it’s included under the Citrix Platform License. Learn more about this integration here.

Q: Is eLux separately licensed?
 A: No, eLux is included as part of both Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud and Citrix Platform License. Learn more here.

Identity & Access: Entra ID, FAS, and SPA

Q: Can we use Entra ID SSO without FAS for on-prem environments?
 A: Not yet. Currently, on-prem CVAD requires both AD and Entra ID with FAS. DaaS will initially support Entra ID, with CVAD support to follow.

Q: Is Entra ID SSO dependent on the endpoint OS?
 A: Yes, Citrix Workspace apps must be OS-specific for the solution to work end-to-end.

Q: Will Entra ID SSO work on Mac or ChromeOS?
 A: The goal is cross-platform support where Workspace app is available. More technical details will be shared during the tech preview.

Q: What’s the difference between Secure Browser and Enterprise Browser?
 A: Secure Browser (now Remote Browser Isolation) is an air-gapped enterprise browser running in the cloud. Enterprise Browser is a locally installed browser that runs on endpoints. Both offer per-app security controls, without decrypting traffic.

eLux & Unicon integrations

Q: What is eLux and how is it used with Citrix?
 A: eLux is a secure, Linux-based operating system developed by Unicon, purpose-built for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and hosted application environments. It is optimized for Citrix deployments and supports Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, DaaS, and Citrix Workspace. eLux enables a fast, seamless connection to Citrix environments. Whether deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid setup, eLux ensures a consistent, high-performance user experience across various devices and form factors. Learn more

Q: Does eLux require domain join?
 A: No, eLux does not require a domain join, as no user data is stored on the endpoint device. This simplifies deployment and management, particularly for organizations using stateless or kiosk-mode endpoints. Despite not being joined to a domain, eLux devices can securely connect to Citrix environments and be centrally managed through Scout, eliminating the need for Active Directory integration. This adds flexibility and reduces administrative overhead.

Q: Can I use Boot to VDI on hard disk with eLux?
 A: Yes, Boot to VDI can be installed either on a local disk or USB stick. This means devices can boot directly into a virtual desktop environment with minimal local footprint. Combined with Scout management, this enables a secure, controlled, and easily scalable endpoint infrastructure. This deployment method is particularly useful for transitioning from traditional Windows endpoints or replacing third-party thin client OS solutions. Watch demo video

Q: Can I manage eLux devices without a VPN?
 A: Yes, eLux devices can be managed remotely without requiring a VPN, thanks to the Scout Cloud Gateway (SCG). SCG enables secure communication between endpoints and the Scout management server over the internet. Organizations benefit from simplified remote administration, especially in distributed or hybrid work environments, without compromising on control or visibility. Learn more.

Q: Is there support for USB device redirection in eLux?
 A: Yes, eLux supports USB device redirection in Citrix sessions, allowing users to interact with peripherals like printers, scanners, smart card readers, and other USB-based devices. Configuration is handled centrally via Scout. Visit Scout documentation for detailed guidance on setup and supported devices. 

Q: Where can I find hardware requirements for eLux?
 A: For all requirements you can check out the eLux quick start guide. The requirements are modest, making eLux suitable for a wide range of new and legacy hardware — ideal for extending hardware life cycles and reducing total cost of ownership. Further information can be found in the product documentation.

Integrations with partners

Q: Any updates on PVS integration with Nutanix?
 A: We recently announced that Citrix and Nutanix have teamed up to support multi-cluster environments on Nutanix Cloud Platform, enhancing VDI and secure application delivery with improved resiliency and scalability. Additionally, PVS provisioning using Web Studio/MCS-PVS is planned for on-prem release by year-end.

Q: Is Imprivata SSO support for eLux coming?
 A: Yes, this is expected later this year. Contact your Citrix rep for a proof of concept demo.

Browser & endpoint security

Q: Can I control local browsers to restrict SaaS access?
 A: Yes, Enterprise Browser supports endpoint enforcement for managed and unmanaged devices.

Q: Is Microsoft Edge supported with Secure Private Access (SPA)?
 A: No, Microsoft Edge cannot be managed by Secure Private Access; however, Microsoft Edge can be used together with Secure Access agent (ZTNA agent) installed on the endpoint to access private web applications.

Q: Can Enterprise Browser and DaaS be managed from a single console?
 A: Yes, unified management and observability are available today. Learn more here.

Webinar resources

Q: Will the session recording be shared?
A: Yes, the on-demand version is available now here, or through the link in your webinar confirmation email if you’ve already registered.

Still have questions?

If your question wasn’t addressed here, or you’d like a deeper discussion, reach out to your Citrix account representative. We’re here to help you get the most out of your Citrix environment. Also stay tuned for information on how to register for our upcoming Master Class webinars, where we’ll dive even deeper into some hot topics.