From April 15, 2026, Citrix will definitively switch to a new cloud-based license architecture. The traditional license files will no longer be supported, which will affect all customers using Citrix on-premises products.
Citrix is replacing its classic file-based licensing system with the new License Activation Service (LAS). This system is based on cloud technology and will become the only way to activate Citrix products such as Virtual Apps and Desktops, NetScaler, and XenServer from April next year.
Organizations using local Citrix solutions must upgrade their systems and switch to LAS before this date. After April 15, 2026, old license files will no longer work, which could lead to a loss of functionality for end users.
Simpler
With LAS, Citrix aims to simplify license management. The new system automatically registers licenses via Citrix Cloud, eliminating manual tasks such as downloading or applying license files. According to Citrix, this reduces operational complexity and improves the stability of user sessions. However, daily connections to Citrix Cloud are required for activation. If this connection is not made for 30 days, the license becomes invalid.
The new system is certainly simpler. The question is to what extent customers are waiting for it. The fact that Citrix can gather more data about how products are used via a connection to the cloud will likely also play a role.
Impact
The transition to LAS applies to all customers and partners using Citrix products locally. Those who only use Citrix Cloud services will not be impacted by this change. Citrix advises customers to start the migration in a timely manner. It involves three steps: upgrading to a compatible version of the license server or NetScaler Console, one-time registration with Citrix Cloud, and automatic activation via LAS.
Citrix emphasizes that this is a technical change in licensing technology. The commercial or contractual terms remain unchanged. The vendor indicates that the new system should improve support and product development by providing insight into product usage through anonymized data.
For customers, this transition means a mandatory adjustment that may require additional planning and effort. Organizations would do well to evaluate their Citrix environment and initiate the switch to the new activation technology in time. There’s a good chance that customers will receive a call from Citrix itself as the deadline approaches, who won’t miss the opportunity for a potential upsell.