Citrix Licensing · LAS
What changed when Citrix ended file-based licensing on April 15, 2026, and how to move to LAS without downtime.
The Citrix License Activation Service (LAS) is the cloud-based service Citrix uses to activate licenses for on-premises products. Citrix ended file-based licensing on April 15, 2026, so LAS is now the only way to license on-premises Citrix components.
Instead of downloading and uploading license files, your Citrix License Server registers with Citrix Cloud and syncs your entitlements automatically. Citrix does not charge for LAS, and your license quantities and terms stay the same. What does change: you need LAS-compatible versions, outbound internet access from the License Server, and a planned cutover.
What changed on April 15, 2026.
| File-based licensing (retired) | License Activation Service | |
|---|---|---|
| How licenses are activated | Download a .lic file and upload it to the License Server | License Server registers with Citrix Cloud and syncs automatically |
| Status | Ended April 15, 2026 | Required for on-premises Citrix |
| Network | No outbound connection needed | Outbound HTTPS to Citrix Cloud |
| Cost | Included | Included, no extra charge |
| Compatible Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops versions | Any | 2203 LTSR CU7, 2402 LTSR CU3, 2411, 2507 LTSR and later |
Versions as listed in Citrix's licensing guide. Check NetScaler and other components with us before you cut over.
Four steps, usually done in one maintenance window.
List every Citrix component, version and license server.
Bring the License Server and products up to LAS-compatible versions.
Register the License Server with Citrix Cloud, open the firewall and test.
Move production licensing, then monitor for licensing errors.
Licensing changes are where outages hide.
Holds 2 Platinum certificates, Fusion CSA Platinum and Fusion CSP Platinum, and named the 2026 Citrix Evangelist Partner of the Year.
We review your entitlements and do the upgrade, so nothing falls between vendors.
We check whether Citrix Platform License, UHMC or Citrix Platform Flex fits better at renewal. Citrix Licensing.
LAS is the cloud-based service Citrix now uses to activate licenses for on-premises products such as Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops. It replaces the old license files: your Citrix License Server registers with Citrix Cloud and syncs your entitlements automatically.
Citrix ended file-based licensing on April 15, 2026. Since then, LAS is the only way to activate and license Citrix on-premises components.
Citrix lists Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 2203 LTSR CU7, 2402 LTSR CU3, 2411 and 2507 LTSR as LAS-compatible, along with later releases. Older versions must be upgraded to stay supported.
Products that still depend on license files can stop recognizing them, which can stop users from launching apps and desktops. If you have not moved yet, treat it as urgent.
Yes. The License Server needs outbound HTTPS access to Citrix Cloud to sync. For restricted or air-gapped networks, we review the options Citrix supports with you before you change anything.
No. Citrix does not charge for LAS, and your license quantities and terms do not change.
Yes. We inventory your environment, upgrade components, register the License Server, pilot and cut over, usually in a planned maintenance window.
Existing clients can open a ticket through the client portal, by emailing support@altanora.com, or by calling 514-849-1100 and choosing option 3. For general or sales questions, email sales@altanora.com.
Book a free licensing check. We will tell you exactly what needs to change.
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