Citrix is transforming its licensing architecture with the License Activation Service (LAS), a cloud-based solution designed to replace the traditional file-based licensing model. This change impacts all on-premises Citrix products, including Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD), NetScaler, XenServer, and Citrix Provisioning (PVS).
What’s Changing?
- End of File-Based Licensing: Legacy license files will stop working after April 15, 2026. LAS becomes the exclusive method for activating and licensing on-premises components.
- No More License Files or Activation Codes: LAS eliminates manual steps like downloading, uploading, and managing license files. Instead, the License Server registers with Citrix Cloud, pulling entitlements automatically.
- Automatic Updates: Renewals and entitlement changes happen seamlessly, no operational intervention required.
- Hybrid Compatibility: LAS supports both legacy and new licensing during transition, but legacy licenses will expire by the deadline.
Why the Need for LAS?
- Modernisation: File-based licensing hasn’t kept pace with Citrix’s evolving product ecosystem. LAS introduces a streamlined, automated approach to reduce complexity and operational overhead.
- Resilience & Performance: LAS removes the License Server as a single point of failure and improves scalability. License caching ensures continuity during connectivity issues.
- Alignment with Industry Trends: Cloud-based licensing aligns Citrix with modern practices adopted by leading vendors.
Benefits for Customers & Partners
- Simplified Management: No more manual license file handling or activation codes.
- Seamless Renewals: Automatic entitlement updates reduce administrative burden.
- Unlimited Sessions: Products no longer check out licenses individually, improving performance.
- Improved Stability: Reduced risk of outages due to licensing failures.
Actions Required
- Plan Now: File-based licenses stop working on April 15, 2026. Begin migration early to avoid service disruption.
- Upgrade Components:
- License Server: 11.17.2 build 51000 or higher
- CVAD: Current Release 2411+ or LTSR 2203 CU7 / 2402 CU3 / 2507
- NetScaler ADC: 14.1.51.x or 13.1.60.x
- Register with Citrix Cloud: Ensure outbound HTTPS connectivity to LAS endpoints.
- Air-Gapped Environments: Contact CXANZ for offline activation options.
Resources to assist Partners
Citrix has made it easy for partners to prepare. All resources are available via Xcelerate, including:
👉 Access everything on Xcelerate. If you haven’t logged in before, check out the platform guide first.
Resources to assist Customers
Citrix has made it easy for customers to prepare. See the resources below to assist you.
License Activation Service - Product Documentation for Citrix Products
License Activate Service – Product Documentation for NetScaler, NetScaler Console Service,
Don’t forget if you have any questions or require further information, please reach out to your Citrix Partner or CXANZ.
Key Takeaway
The transition to LAS is mandatory and represents a technology upgrade, not a commercial change. By adopting LAS, customers and partners gain a more resilient, automated, and efficient licensing experience, futureproofing their Citrix environments.
Migration Checklist
- ✅ Verify product versions and upgrade where necessary.
- ✅ Confirm network connectivity to Citrix Cloud.
- ✅ Register License Server with LAS.
- ✅ Communicate changes internally and with partners and customers.
Start planning today to ensure a smooth transition before April 2026!
If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to your Citrix Partner or our CXANZ team.