Every IT administrator managing virtualized environments faces a familiar challenge: “How long will my current Citrix version be supported?” This concern becomes even more critical in enterprise environments where business continuity is paramount. Today, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops end-of-life schedules across all versions, along with practical information to help you prepare for the future.
1. Understanding Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD) is a virtualization solution that enables application and desktop delivery to any device, anywhere, while maintaining IT control over virtual machines, applications, and security. Previously known as XenApp and XenDesktop before the 2018 rebrand, this solution is now the cornerstone of hybrid work and digital workspace strategies for organizations worldwide.
CVAD centralizes the management of virtualized applications and desktops while delivering a local-like experience to end users. For IT departments, it enhances security and management efficiency, while users gain access to their work tools from anywhere, at any time.
2. Understanding CVAD Release Models – Two Tracks with Support Phases
CVAD offers two release tracks, each with its own tiered support structure. Understanding this is essential for effective version management.
Support Phase Definitions:
- Active Support: Full support including new features, security patches, and bug fixes
- Security Support: Limited to security patches and critical bug fixes (no new features)
- Extended Support: Paid option providing additional support after Security Support ends
Current Release (CR)
- Quarterly releases focused on delivering the latest features
- Active Support ends 6 months after release
- Security Support ends 18 months after release (complete EOL)
- Ideal for environments that want rapid access to new capabilities
- No Extended Support option available
Long-Term Service Release (LTSR)
- Released every 2-3 years for long-term stability
- Both Active Support and Security Support end 5 years after release
- Optimized for enterprise environments prioritizing stability
- Extended Support option available for additional 5 years (total 10-year lifecycle)
3. Detailed LTSR Version Support Schedule
Here’s the complete support timeline for LTSR versions most commonly used in enterprise environments, broken down by support phases.
| LTSR Version | GA Date | Active Support Ends | Security Support Ends | Extended Support Ends | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.15 LTSR (XenApp/XenDesktop) | August 2017 | August 15, 2022 | August 15, 2022 | August 15, 2027 | ⚠️ Extended Support Only |
| 1912 LTSR | December 2019 | December 18, 2024 | December 18, 2024 | December 18, 2029 | ⚠️ End of Life |
| 2203 LTSR | March 23, 2022 | March 23, 2027 | March 23, 2027 | March 23, 2032 | ✅ Active Support |
| 2402 LTSR | April 15, 2024 | April 15, 2029 | April 15, 2029 | April 15, 2034 | ✅ Active Support |
Key Points:
- 7.15 LTSR: Active/Security Support ended, only Extended Support available (paid)
- 1912 LTSR: Completely end-of-life as of December 2024, immediate upgrade required
- 2203 LTSR: Currently in Active Support with approximately 2.5 years remaining
- 2402 LTSR: Latest LTSR offering full support for the next 5 years
Extended Support Options: LTSR versions can receive paid Extended Support after Security Support ends. This is typically purchased in 6-month increments and requires pre-approval from Citrix.
4. Complete Current Release Version Support Schedule
Current Releases have an 18-month support lifecycle, transitioning from Active Support to Security Support after 6 months. Below is the detailed support schedule for all CVAD Current Release versions.
4-1. Currently Supported Current Release Versions
| CR Version | Release Date | Active Support Ends | Security Support Ends | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2503 | April 29, 2025 | October 29, 2025 | October 29, 2026 | ✅ Active Support |
| 2411 | November 2024 | May 2025 | May 2026 | ✅ Active Support |
| 2407 | July 31, 2024 | January 31, 2025 | July 31, 2025 | ⚠️ Security Support Transition Approaching |
| 2311 | November 2023 | May 2024 | May 2025 | ✅ Security Support |
| 2308 | August 2023 | February 2024 | February 2025 | ✅ Security Support |
4-2. End-of-Life Current Release Versions
| CR Version | Release Date | Active Support Ended | Security Support Ended | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2305 | May 2023 | November 2023 | November 2024 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2303 | March 2023 | September 2023 | September 2024 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2212 | December 2022 | June 2023 | June 2024 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2209 | September 2022 | March 2023 | March 2024 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2206 | June 2022 | December 2022 | December 2023 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2112 | December 2021 | June 2022 | June 2023 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2109 | September 2021 | March 2022 | March 2023 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2106 | June 2021 | December 2021 | December 2022 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2103 | March 2021 | September 2021 | September 2022 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2012 | December 2020 | June 2021 | June 2022 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2009 | September 2020 | March 2021 | March 2022 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2006 | June 2020 | December 2020 | December 2021 | ❌ EOL Complete |
| 2003 | March 2020 | September 2020 | September 2021 | ❌ EOL Complete |
Current Release Management Key Points:
- Active Support Period (first 6 months): Full support including new features, security patches, and bug fixes
- Security Support Period (next 12 months): Security patches and critical bug fixes only (no new features)
- Regular Upgrades Essential: CR users should plan upgrades at least every 6 months
- Test Environment Required: Adequate validation time before production deployment
5. Critical Notice – Licensing System Changes
There’s an important change that all CVAD administrators must be aware of:
File-based Licensing System EOL
- End Date: April 15, 2026
- Replacement Technology: License Activation Service (LAS)
- Required Action: Upgrade to LAS-compatible version before April 2026
LAS-Compatible Minimum Version Requirements:
- CVAD 1912 LTSR CU7 or later
- CVAD 2203 LTSR CU3 or later
- CVAD 2402 LTSR (all versions)
Missing this change could result in complete license activation failure, so it must be factored into upgrade planning.
6. Legacy Products and Special Edition Support Status
Let’s also review support status for legacy XenApp/XenDesktop versions and other legacy products that preceded the CVAD rebrand.
6-1. XenApp & XenDesktop Legacy Versions
| Product | Version | GA Date | Active/Security Support Ended | Extended Support Ends | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XenApp & XenDesktop | 7.15 LTSR | August 2017 | August 15, 2022 | August 15, 2027 | ⚠️ Extended Support Only |
| XenApp & XenDesktop | 7.6 LTSR | January 2014 | January 11, 2021 | January 11, 2026 | ⚠️ Extended Support Only |
| XenApp & XenDesktop | 7.18 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ❌ Complete EOL |
| XenApp & XenDesktop | 7.17 and earlier | Pre-2017 | Pre-2018 | Pre-2019 | ❌ Complete EOL |
6-2. Special Edition End-of-Life Information
| Product/Edition | EOL Schedule | Replacement Solution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citrix Virtual Apps Essentials | May 31, 2024 EOL | Citrix DaaS Standard for Azure | Discontinued due to Azure Marketplace integration changes |
| Citrix Virtual Desktop Essentials | May 31, 2024 EOL | Citrix DaaS Standard for Azure | Azure first-party marketplace integration ended |
Legacy Version Key Considerations:
- 7.15 LTSR Users: Only Extended Support available since 2022 (paid option)
- Essentials Products: Completely discontinued in 2024 due to Microsoft Azure policy changes
- Upgrade Paths: Direct upgrade support from legacy versions to latest LTSR must be verified
7. Upgrade Compatibility Matrix and Paths
The following table shows supported upgrade paths from current versions.
7-1. Supported Upgrade Paths
| Current Version | Direct Upgrade Targets | Recommended Path | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.15 LTSR | 1912 LTSR, 2203 LTSR, 2402 LTSR | 2402 LTSR | Windows Server 2012 R2 support ended |
| 1912 LTSR | 2203 LTSR, 2402 LTSR, Current CR | 2402 LTSR | SQL Server 2019 or later required |
| 2203 LTSR | 2402 LTSR, Current CR | 2402 LTSR | Similar system requirements |
| Current Release | Latest CR, Latest LTSR | Situational | Continuous upgrade required |
7-2. Version-Specific Upgrade Considerations
Upgrading from 7.15 LTSR:
- Required OS Upgrade: Windows Server 2012 R2 no longer supported (Server 2016 or later required)
- SQL Server Upgrade: SQL Server 2008 R2 support ended (SQL 2016 or later)
- Staged Approach: Large environments may consider transitioning through 1912 LTSR before moving to 2402 LTSR
Upgrading from 1912 LTSR:
- Urgency: December 2024 EOL requires immediate upgrade
- Recommended Target: 2402 LTSR (5-year support)
- Key Considerations:
- Windows Server 2012 support ended
- SQL Server version upgrade required (SQL 2016 or later)
- .NET Framework 4.8 or later required
- Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) feature removed
Upgrading from 2203 LTSR:
- Recommended Target: 2402 LTSR
- Advantages: Similar system requirements make upgrade relatively straightforward
- New Features: Autoscale, improved StoreFront UI, enhanced Teams optimization
Current Release Upgrades:
- Continuous upgrades to maintain access to latest features
- Adequate testing in non-production environments required
- Plan upgrade cycles to complete before EOL dates
8. Upgrade Preparation Checklist
Essential items to verify before proceeding with actual upgrades.
Technical Prerequisites:
- [ ] Verify current environment LTSR compliance (LTSR Assistant tool)
- [ ] Confirm SQL Server version compatibility and upgrade plan
- [ ] Review Windows Server OS compatibility and migration plan
- [ ] Validate Customer Success Services (CSS) license validity
- [ ] Verify .NET Framework version (4.8 or later required)
- [ ] Establish backup and recovery procedures
- [ ] Review Extended Support options (if applicable)
Operational Prerequisites:
- [ ] Establish upgrade timeline and user communications
- [ ] Complete pre-validation and pilot testing in test environments
- [ ] Prepare rollback procedures and recovery scenarios
- [ ] Coordinate with related teams (networking, security, database, infrastructure)
- [ ] Plan for service downtime minimization during upgrade
9. Migration Considerations and Practical Tips
Here are easily overlooked aspects when conducting actual upgrades.
Microsoft Teams Optimization:
- Classic Teams VDI support ended June 30, 2024
- Minimum version for new Teams client support: CVAD 2311 or later
- Additional registry configuration required on VDA:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Citrix\WebSocketService
StoreFront Improvements:
- Next-generation UI support starting from version 2311
- User experience similar to Citrix Workspace
- Switchable between Unified UI and Next-generation UI
- Deep customization not supported (excluding JavaScript/CSS API)
Database Migration:
- When SQL Server upgrade is required, perform before CVAD upgrade
- Support for Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure SQL Database, AWS RDS SQL Server
- Database backup and recovery testing essential
VDA-Related Key Changes:
- VDA 2407 and later: Secure Default Settings disable all data transfer channels by default
- VDA 2407 and later: Support for VDA registration over SSL 443 port via WebSocket
- VDA 2411 and later: Pagefile settings configurable via PowerShell commands
10. Extended Support Options and Cost Considerations
Some situations may not allow for immediate upgrades. Here are available options for such scenarios.
LTSR Extended Support Details:
- Support Duration: Up to 5 additional years after Security Support ends
- Purchase Units: Typically purchased in 6-month increments
- Approval Process: Requires Citrix pre-approval (case-by-case review)
- Support Scope: Security patches, critical bug fixes, technical support
- Exclusions: New feature development, general feature improvements
Extended Support Eligible Products:
- 7.15 LTSR: Extended Support available until August 15, 2027
- 1912 LTSR: Extended Support available until December 18, 2029 (projected)
- 2203 LTSR: Extended Support available until March 23, 2032 (projected)
Decision Criteria:
- Environment Complexity: Large environments may weigh upgrade risk vs Extended Support cost
- New Feature Requirements: Extended Support viable when latest features aren’t needed
- Total Cost of Ownership: Upgrade costs (personnel, time, risk) vs annual Extended Support fees
- Security and Compliance: Critical in regulated industries where security patch support is essential
11. Future Roadmap and Strategic Considerations
Understanding Citrix’s development direction helps with long-term IT strategy planning.
Cloud-First Strategy:
- Accelerated transition to Citrix DaaS (Desktop as a Service)
- Enhanced hybrid environment support
- Seamless workload migration between on-premises and cloud
Security Enhancement:
- Expanded Zero Trust architecture support
- Advanced authentication method integration
- Strengthened endpoint security integration
User Experience Improvements:
- Continuous HDX technology advancement
- Optimization for diverse devices and network environments
- AI-based automation and optimization features
Now is the time to develop an upgrade strategy suited to your environment. If you’re currently using 1912 LTSR, begin upgrade planning immediately, and 7.15 LTSR users should establish modernization plans before Extended Support ends (2027).
Cases Requiring Immediate Action:
- 1912 LTSR users: December 2024 EOL requires immediate upgrade
- Essentials product users: Already EOL as of May 2024, migration to alternative solutions required
- File-based licensing users: Upgrade to LAS-compatible versions required by April 2026
Cases Allowing Planned Approach:
- 2203 LTSR users: Time available until 2027, but upgrade to 2402 LTSR recommended
- Current Release users: Maintain regular upgrade cycles and consider LTSR transition
Additional Resources
Official Citrix Documentation:
- Citrix Product Lifecycle Matrix
- CVAD Lifecycle Details
- LTSR Assistant Tool
- Extended Support Customer Guide
Upgrade Resources:
For additional technical support or upgrade-related inquiries, professional assistance is available through the Citrix Support Center or certified partners.