If your organisation operates on-premises Citrix infrastructure, a licensing change is coming that requires executive awareness and planning.
On 8th September 2025, Citrix announced that its new License Activation Service (LAS) will replace traditional file-based licensing. From 15th April 2026, legacy license files will no longer be supported.
This is not a contractual change. It is an operational and architectural shift – and environments that do not transition will experience service disruption.
This is a change and can be completed by your Citrix and NetScaler team members or Com-X can assist you.
What this means for your business?
Historically, on-premises Citrix licensing required manual file generation, uploads, renewals, and version tracking. That process is being retired.
The new model connects your on-premises License Server (or NetScaler Console) to Citrix Cloud, enabling automatic activation and renewal.
For executives, the implications are clear:
• Reduced administrative overhead
• Improved licensing resilience
• Lower risk of expiry-related outages
• A move toward modernised service governance.
Your entitlements and agreements remain unchanged. The activation mechanism does not.
Who must act?
This change affects on-premises deployments, including:
• Citrix License Server (on-premises)
• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
• NetScaler ADC / on-premises Console
• XenServer and other legacy components relying on file-based licensing
If you operate a hybrid model, only the on-premises estate requires migration.
Cloud-only Citrix customers are not impacted.
The risk of inaction
After 15th April 2026, legacy licenses will no longer be recognised.
The consequence is straightforward – applications and virtual desktops may fail to launch.
With Easter occurring in early April and many organisations entering change freezes during this period, waiting until Q2 2026 introduces unnecessary operational risk.
A prudent executive position would target compliance by end of March 2026.
How Com-X supports a low-risk transition
We are Australia’s Citrix Partner of the Year and have the expertise to assist. This does require your attention, but our team of qualified Citrix experts can assist.
This change is mandatory – but it can be seamless with the right preparation.
