Citrix (VDI): Web Browser Access vs Citrix Workspace App

Introduction

The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a tool provided by Quinnipiac University that allows faculty and students to access software and other tools found on full computer desktops without the need for installation. Instead, users can find these desktops wherever they have Internet access. The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure works on both Mac and PC platforms as well as on mobile devices.

While the recommended way to launch a virtual desktop is through the web browser (sometimes called "Citrix Light"), there is an application (Citrix Workspace App) that can be installed when certain processes that utilize more resources are required. This will be very rare and, in general, your use of the VDI will never go beyond what is possible in the web browser version. Further, the web browser option does not require downloading an application and maintaining updates for it.

This article covers how to ensure your Citrix launches happen in the web browser and how to switch to the Workspace app, if needed.

Accessing the Virtual Desktop Portal

Navigate to the QU Citrix portal (https://myapps.quinnipiac.edu) and login via the Single Sign On process.

Note: If you are prompted to Detect Workspace when you first login, click the Use web browser link. In some circumstances the Citrix Workspace app provides some benefits, but for most interactions the web version will suffice.
You will be brought to the Home tab. Any items you have recently used and those that you have identified as Favorites will display here for quick access.
Click the profile icon at the top-right of the portal. This should be indicated by your first initial or a profile picture, if you have previously uploaded one. Select Account Settings.
Click on the Advanced option in the Settings menu and look for the information under Current Method to determine whether virtual desktops will launch in the web browser or the Workspace app. If the Citrix Workspace app is listed, click the Use Web Browser button to switch.
Confirm on the following prompt by click the Use Web Browser button again.

Using the Workspace App

If you do require the Citrix Workspace app and your launch preference is set to the web browser version, follow these steps to install and switch your configuration.

On the Advanced tab of the Settings page, click the Use Citrix Workspace App button.
Citrix will attempt to detect the workspace app. If it is already installed in your machine you will be returned to the Settings page showing confirmation that your Current Method is the Citrix Workspace app. You can now return to the Home screen and launch a desktop.
If you do not have the app installed already, check the box to agree with the Citrix license agreement and click the Download button.
Save the install file to your computer ensuring you note the location so you can then run the file and walk through the installation steps.
When prompted wit the Citrix License Agreement window, check the I agree box and click Continue.
When you reach the Add-on(s) screen, leave the options unchecked and click Install.
Once the install is complete, click the Continue button back in the Citrix portal. You should be returned to the Settings page where you can confirm your Current Method shows the Citrix Workspace app. You can now return to the Home screen and launch a desktop.

Note: If the Citrix Workspace app launches following the install, close it down and return to the Citrix portal to launch a desktop.