Running Windows 11 on traditional PCs across different locations can be expensive and hard to maintain. IT teams often struggle with inconsistent performance, unexpected freezes, and installation and integration problems with various tools.
Citrix Managed Desktop for Windows 11 solves these challenges for the remote and hybrid workforce. It delivers flexible and high-performance virtual desktops through the cloud, making it easier for businesses to manage and scale.
According to Dell, organizations using Citrix Managed Desktops report an average 40% reduction in desktop operations costs compared to traditional PCs, making it a more efficient alternative. IT teams no longer need to manage the infrastructure, as third-party providers handle 24/7 monitoring, security updates, and system upgrades.
Let’s explore the features that make Citrix Windows 11 virtual desktops a reliable solution for businesses.
Features of Citrix Managed Desktop for Windows 11
1. Desktop & Application Delivery
Citrix Managed Desktop for Windows 11 helps users securely work on desktops and apps from any device. It works smoothly for remote, hybrid, or office teams to provide an improved experience everywhere.
- Server-based Virtual Applications: Securely access Windows apps from any device, whether it’s Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or through a web browser, anytime, anywhere, on demand. The apps run on multi-session and single-session operating systems as needed, and they perform just like they’re installed locally on your device.
- Customized Desktops: Windows 11 is hosted in a datacenter and securely delivered to users when they need it. Desktops can be shared from a common base image or dedicated to individual users for personalization, especially for advanced needs.
- Single Session Server VDI: Delivers a single-user desktop experience from a server operating system (Windows Server 2016 or 2019). It supports pooled, dedicated, or personal desktop models based on user needs.
- Server-based Virtual Desktops: Allow multiple users to share a single Windows server, each with their own desktop session.
- VM-hosted Applications: Run virtual apps from desktop virtual machines quickly to simplify OS upgrades and fix app compatibility problems.
Deliver secure, high-performance desktops across devices—without the hassle of local hardware management.
2. Performance & User Experience
Citrix Windows 11 desktops are built to deliver fast performance for every user. It provides an optimized experience on video calls and graphic-heavy applications remotely.
- Optimization for Microsoft Teams: Optimize Microsoft Teams voice, video, and telephony in virtual environments. Citrix Virtual Apps redirects multimedia to clients, boosting server scalability and user performance.
- Superior User Experience for Graphic-rich Apps: GPU sharing lets multiple users enjoy high-definition graphics cost-effectively. Citrix Hypervisor loads NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel Iris Pro drivers to optimize the performance of the virtual app and desktop graphics.
- Browser Content Redirection: Redirect the full browser content to the client for maximum server scalability and optimal user experience.
- Universal Printing Services: Centralized universal printing simplifies driver management and boosts the performance of local, mobile, and remote connections.
- Citrix App Personalization: Customize your Citrix client apps with your own app name for a fully personalized user experience, managed through the Citrix Cloud console.
- Integrated Profile Management: User Profile Manager keeps settings consistent across sessions by streaming profile settings and data on demand, regardless of size, for faster logins and better performance.
3. Security & Compliance
Built-in security and compliance features protect your data, and apps. Advanced measures such as SSO, multi-factor authentication, and strict access controls keep information safe and meet compliance regulations.
- Multi-factor Authentication: Enhances secure access from anywhere through integrated solutions such as RSA SecureID, RADIUS server, and Aladdin SafeWord for Citrix StoreFront via Citrix Gateway.
- Copy-Paste Restriction in Sensitive Workspaces: Prevents unauthorized copy-paste actions in secure sessions to protect confidential data and information.
- ICA Proxy: Provides secure access to virtual Windows apps and desktops on Citrix while keeping apps, desktops, and data safely protected within the datacenter without requiring a VPN. (Note: Gateway appliance is required separately for on-premises deployments. The throughput of the appliance is 50 Mbps.)
- Self-Service Password Reset: Citrix StoreFront offers a simple web-based portal for users to quickly unlock or reset their domain passwords with a self-service setup.
4. Access and Mobility
Access apps and work on PC, laptops, and other devices from any location, without additional IT setup. Employees stay connected and productive with secure remote access to desktops and apps.
- Any Device Access: Let employees use their preferred devices, tailored to their work style, with a universal client that runs on most desktops and laptops, eliminating the need for extra IT work.
- Remote PC Access: Securely access physical PCs remotely with a full HDX experience without SSL VPNs or migrating desktops to the data center.
- Global App Configuration Service: Centrally delivers Citrix Workspace URLs and app settings through a centrally managed service. Global app configuration service is managed via the Citrix Cloud Console.
5. Monitoring and Management
Manage and monitor desktops and policies from a single place. Update the system regularly to maintain high availability and ensure uninterrupted user access.
- Centralized Management: Manage desktops, apps, and user policies from a single cloud-based console.
- OS & Patch Management: Keeps desktops updated with the latest patches and security updates to reduce vulnerabilities and IT workload.
- Citrix ADC Load Balancing: Monitor your services and web traffic 24/7 to intelligently load balance users across the infrastructure for consistent access and uptime, even during planned, unplanned, or scheduled maintenance windows.
- Robust High Availability: Local Host Cache ensures users can access apps and desktops even if the site database connection is lost.
- VDA Restore: Automatic VDA rollback restores stability after failed upgrades, letting admins fix issues quickly without downtime.
- Director of Historical Reporting and Trend Analysis: Citrix Director offers historical data retention and trend analysis to help businesses monitor performance, spot issues, and optimize virtual environments.
Use Cases of Citrix Managed Desktop on Windows 11
- Windows 11 Remote Access (BYOD Support): Allow employees or contractors to securely access Windows 11 desktops from any location or device, including laptops, PC, etc.
- HDX User Experience Optimization: Delivers a high-quality desktop experience on any device and network, just like a local PC. It supports real-time video, voice, USB devices, and even 3D applications.
- Compliance and Audit-Ready Access: Role-based access controls and session recording ensure data privacy and security for regulated industries like healthcare, finance, or legal. Citrix desktop on Windows 11 supports audit readiness through HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO-certified data center partners.
- Strengthened IT security: Protect your mission-critical data in the datacenter unless policy allows audit, control, and enforcement. Only screen updates, clicks, and keystrokes travel over the connection to protect user data and the network from hackers and unmanaged devices.
- Enterprise Scalability: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Windows 11 are tested and proven in global enterprise implementations supporting tens of thousands of users. Quickly onboard contractors, seasonal staff, or new employees, providing secure access to Windows 11 desktops without any extra hardware setups.
- Backup and Disaster Recovery Plans: Automated backup and disaster recovery plans to restore your data quickly in case of any disasters or accidental data deletion.
- Fast Deployment: Set up secure, ready-to-use desktops for new business units, branches, or project teams in days instead of weeks. Deploy Citrix Managed Desktops across Azure, on-premises, or hybrid cloud environments for complete flexibility and control.
- Industry-Specific Configurations: Pre-configured environments tailored for healthcare, finance, legal, and more to meet compliance and optimize performance.
Real-World Example for Citrix Windows 11 Virtual Desktops
The City of Corona, CA, needed to protect critical services from natural disasters and enable secure remote work during COVID-19. They moved their entire infrastructure to Microsoft Azure and deployed Citrix Workspace, so employees could securely access desktops and apps from any device, anywhere.
Citrix and Microsoft built DOJ-approved, FIPS-compliant connections for public safety staff, enabling police and 911 dispatchers to work remotely without security risks. This eliminated the need for new hardware, reduced costs, and allowed staff to log in via a secure URL, keeping critical services running without interruption.
Why Choose Citrix Managed Desktop Over Traditional Windows 11 Desktop?
| Feature/Aspect | Citrix Managed Desktop | Traditional Windows 11 Desktop |
| Deployment | Cloud-hosted virtual desktop managed 24/7 by an expert team | Installed locally on physical hardware |
| Accessibility | Accessible from any device with an internet connection (Mac OS, PC, laptops, etc.) | Usually accessed from the local physical device |
| Security | Enhanced security with end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, antivirus, firewalls, backup, and disaster recovery policies | Low security, depending on local setup and user practices |
| Compliance | Hosted on HIPAA, ISO, SOC 2, and SSAE certified data center partners for audit-readiness | Compliance responsibility falls entirely on the internal IT team |
| Scalability | Easily scalable; add or remove users quickly | Limited scalability due to physical hardware capacity |
| Cost | Subscription or usage-based | One-time hardware/software purchase, plus maintenance, and upgrade charges |
| Performance | High-performance desktops that work even in heavy workloads with 3D apps and engineering software | May lag because of IT issues |
| IT Maintenance | Fully managed service with 24/7 monitoring and support | Requires an in-house IT team for maintenance and upgrades |
| User Experience | Consistent experience across devices and locations | Depends on hardware quality and OS version |
| Business Continuity | Built-in disaster recovery and backup solutions for 99.99% uptime and fast recovery. | Risk of data loss or downtime due to hardware failure or lack of redundancy |
Get Started with Citrix Managed Desktop on Windows 11
Citrix Managed Desktop on Windows 11 provides secure and high-performance virtual desktops that users can access from anywhere on any device. It combines the ease of Windows 11 with the flexibility of the cloud, making IT management simpler and supporting everything from daily tasks to graphics-heavy applications for SMB and large enterprises.
Ace Cloud Hosting has partnered with Citrix to provide fully managed virtual desktops, delivering end-to-end setup within just 48 hours. Our pay-as-you-go model provides 99.99% uptime, enterprise-grade security, and 24/7 support for businesses of all sizes. Start your 7-day free trial today!
With Ace Cloud Hosting, you get enterprise-grade Citrix virtual desktops with 99.99% uptime, pay-as-you-go pricing, and 24/7 support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I install Citrix Workspace on Windows 11?
Go to the official Citrix website and search for “Download the Workspace App” to install Citrix Workspace for Windows 11. Choose either the Current or Long-Term Service Release. Run the installer, accept the terms, and follow the steps. Make sure your system has the required software. During setup, you can install optional add-ons for screen protection and Teams support. After installation, enter your company URL, sign in, and complete MFA if needed.
2. Can I run Citrix virtual desktops on Windows 11?
Yes, you can run Citrix virtual desktops on Windows 11. Citrix Workspace is fully compatible with Windows 11, allowing users to securely access virtual desktops and apps with optimized performance, HDX support, and full integration with enterprise security and policy controls.
3. What are Citrix Workspace Windows requirements?
Citrix Workspace for Windows requires a minimum of 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of free disk space. For proper functionality, your system must also have Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime (version 131 or later), .NET Framework 4.8, .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0.15 or later, and the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed.
4. Why is my Citrix Workspace slow on Windows 11?
Citrix Workspace may run slowly or keep disconnecting on Windows 11 due to a weak or unstable internet connection. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable network. If the issue persists, try restarting your device, updating Citrix Workspace, or reinstalling the app to fix any configuration or installation issues.
