Citrix enables many organisations to deliver secure remote access to desktops and applications. Often the invisible backbone of hybrid and remote work.

If you work for an organisation that uses Citrix, there's an upcoming change you should be aware of, even if you don't manage the technology yourself.

What is this all about?

Citrix announced it is retiring its file-based licensing model, with a deadline of April 2026. Citrix infrastructure owners should understand upcoming changes early to ensure a smooth transition.

Between ownership changes, rebranding, and shifts in how the platform is sold; keeping up with Citrix can feel like chasing a moving goal post. So, it's understandable if this has slipped under your radar.

This article is for managers and business leaders who rely on Citrix-powered systems but don't manage the infrastructure behind it.

What is actually changing?

Historically, many organisations have run Citrix using locally managed license files. These files run in the background, enabling users to connect to Citrix sessions.

Citrix is now replacing this model with a modern solution called License Activation Service (LAS). Instead of relying on static files managed locally, Citrix products will confirm their license status through a secure connection to Citrix’s cloud platform. (see image, arrow 3).

From April 2026, the legacy old license file will no longer be recognised. If an organisation did not move to the new licensing method by the deadline, they may lose the ability to use Citrix, causing operational impact.

The change was not ‘out of the blue’. Like many software vendors, Citrix has been shifting towards cloud-based subscription models for some time.

Why does it matter for the IT department?

To continue using Citrix after April 2026, environments that run Citrix on their own infrastructure must meet a small set of baseline requirements. This is not optional and Citrix do not provide any exceptions or extended grace periods.

The minimum specifications for base line are:

The risk of doing nothing

Every organisation progresses at its own speed and may prioritise different objectives each quarter. Planning cycles, change approvals, security reviews, resource management and budget approvals, all take time.

The real risk is not the deadline itself, but understanding the change or discovering late in the process that:

• Other upgrades are required first.
• Security or compliance approvals are needed.
• Budget has not been allocated.
• Internal resources are already committed elsewhere.
• Citrix is not providing exceptions or extended grace periods.
  
  

Why the timeline feels tight

It is worth emphasising that this change is not unusual. many vendors have modernised licensing similarly. However, Citrix's September 2025 announcement gives organisations just six months to prepare, and that window is tighter than it appears. During the 6 months, we have had a number of days which have been taken away, such as:

1. Public holidays concentrated in calendar Q4.
2. End of year company events.
3. Organisation wide change freezes.
4. Shut down period and skeleton staffing.
5. Year-end rush to complete existing work.
6. Decision-makers on planned leave.
   
   

What should leaders be asking now?

You do not need to understand how Citrix licensing works to ask the right questions.

• Do we know which parts of the business rely on Citrix today?
• Has someone confirmed whether our current setup is affected?
• Are there plans, timeline, and owner for addressing the change?
• Does this align with other technology or workplace initiatives already planned?

Now is the time to ensure your organisation has a plan in motion. As a leader, this is a great way to help ensure there are no surprises.

How CNS has been helping

With experience supporting customers across APAC, Europe, and the US, CNS understands the nuances of coordinating licensing transitions across different regions and time zones. CNS has been working with organisations to translate platform changes into clear, practical plans, including the following:

• Understand the change and whether they are affected.
• Assessing readiness to assist with infrastructure planning.
• Implementation of migrations and in-place upgrades in preparation for LAS.
• Project planning and risk mitigation. Finding the most efficient path forward.
• Subject matter, second opinions and providing reassurance.

CNS ensures IT departments and leadership have the right support and guidance. Whether you need implementation support or a second opinion on your existing plan, our team is here to help. Get in touch to start the conversation.

As a leading managed IT services company, we empower organisations to thrive in the digital landscape by providing tailored, reliable, and secure connectivity.