This article lists the differences in the USB support between the XenApp and the XenDesktop application.

Background

There is a wide range of USB devices available for use by the clients. The type of redirection your device requires determines if you need to use the XenApp or the XenDesktop application.

XenApp Application

USB Support 4.5 or 5.0

• This is limited to device level USB redirection.

• For XenApp 5.0 feature Packs 2 and 3, only Dynamic support for USB storage devices need to be added.

• Refer to the Knowledge Center article CTX816193 - USB Support in XenApp/Presentation Server Products for more information.

USB Support 6.x

• This provides Plug-n-Play USB redirection.

• For this USB to work, the clients must be Windows Vista (SP1 or later) or Windows 7 and requires Online Plug-in 12.0.

• This USB supports Photo Transfer Protocol (PTP) and Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) only.

• This is controlled using a XenApp policy, which is enabled by default.

• Pass-through is not supported as USB devices require a direct connection. (Example of an unsupported Pass-through scenario is, when a user connects to XenDesktop and then launches another connection from there to a XenApp published application).

• Dynamic plug-n-play support requires driver to be installed on client and server.

XenDesktop Application

USB Support

• XenDesktop USB Support provides Isochronous USB support and uses a service known as Citrix USB Service.