Configuring LEAF OS for Citrix USB Redirection with Updated Citrix Workspace App Versions

Configuring LEAF OS for Citrix USB Redirection with Updated Citrix Workspace App Versions

Introduction

In Citrix environments, LEAF OS allows redirection of peripheral devices so that mass storage, audio, printers, webcams, smart card readers, and others can function within virtual sessions.

Two redirection methods are possible:
  1. Native Redirection: Works with any type of peripheral device—not limited to USB—and redirects the functional layer of the device.
  2. Generic USB Redirection: Limited to supported USB devices and redirects low-level USB communication.
However, starting with Citrix Workspace App (CWA) version 24.5 and LEAF OS firmware 5.12.4 or 6.3.0, customers may notice changes in how Generic USB Redirection behaves compared to earlier versions.

This article explains these changes and outlines the steps needed to ensure proper USB redirection functionality in Citrix sessions when using LEAF OS 6.x.


Background

In earlier LEAF OS versions (such as 5.5.8), configuring Generic USB Redirection was straightforward:

  • Selecting the desired device classes or adding specific VID:PID entries to the Custom list typically ensured proper redirection.

  • On the side of the Citrix Policies, setting Client USB device redirection to Allowed was often sufficient.

However, with newer LEAF OS versions (e.g., 5.12.4 or 6.3.0) and updated Citrix Workspace App versions (24.5+), additional configuration is now required. Citrix has introduced changes to the USB redirection mechanism, making it more policy-dependent.

Identifying the Issue

After upgrading LEAF OS or Citrix Workspace App, users may find that:
  1. USB devices appear in the Citrix session device list.
  2. However, these devices no longer redirect automatically.
This behavior stems from changes in Citrix Workspace App, which now requires more explicit policy configuration to enable automatic USB redirection.

Solution: Update Citrix Policies

To restore automatic redirection of USB devices in LEAF OS, update your Citrix Policies as follows:

1. Verify Device Settings in LEAF OS

Ensure that:

  1. Generic USB Redirection is enabled for the relevant device classes.
  2. Custom VID:PID entries are added for specific devices if required.

2. Update Citrix Policies

Modify the Citrix Policies on your server to include explicit USB redirection rules.

🔑 Key Policies to Configure

  1. Client USB device redirection
    Set to: Allowed
  2. Allow existing USB devices to be automatically connected
    Set to: Automatically redirect available USB devices
  3. Allow newly arrived USB devices to be automatically connected
    Set to: Automatically redirect available USB devices
  4. Client USB device redirection rules (Version 2)
    Add CONNECT rules for the specific USB devices you want to redirect automatically.
Idea
Tip: Replace VID (Vendor ID) and PID (Product ID) with values specific to the USB devices you wish to redirect.

3. Apply and Test

After updating the Citrix Policies:

  1. Reconnect the LEAF OS device to the Citrix session.
  2. Test peripheral redirection to confirm functionality.

Additional Notes

  1. These changes apply primarily to LEAF OS 5.12.4 or 6.3.0 and CWA versions 24.5+ where Citrix introduced stricter USB redirection controls.
  2. Earlier LEAF OS versions may not require these additional Citrix policy settings.

Conclusion

The newer Citrix Workspace App versions require a more granular approach to USB device redirection. By updating Citrix Policies as described above, administrators can ensure LEAF OS devices continue to support seamless peripheral integration in Citrix sessions.

For further assistance, please contact NComputing Technical Support.

For a full list of device VIDs and PIDs, use device management tools within your Citrix environment.


Article #: KB-860
Revision Date: July 21, 2025