CVAD - Published app in windowed mode disappears offscreen when minimized
Article ID: CTX693101
Updated On:
Description
After launching non-seamless app, if the app gets minimized, the user unable to restore it back. The non-seamless app minimizes and disappears and cannot be retrieved unless the user invokes the task switcher with hotkey combinations. The issue also occurs when using RDP initial app testing.
Resolution
This is expected behavior when minimizing a window mode published app in Windows Server 2019 and later. Try using one of the following workarounds:
Workaround #1
Invoke Citrix task switcher within the session with hotkey combinations to restore the minimized app:
Within a published app session, use the hotkey combinations "Alt+Plus" or "Alt+Minus" to switch to the minimized app, which should restore it to the active session window.
Workaround #2
Disable the Shellbridge feature in the Windows OS on the servers that have the Citrix VDA agent installed:
1) On the VDA, open registry editor.
2) Browse to this location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Citrix\Citrix Virtual Desktop Agent
3) In the location create a key as follows:
Name: Shellbridge
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 0
Problem Cause
Citrix Technical Support confirmed that this expected behavior due to limitations with Microsoft shellappruntime. The problem can also be replicated when using RDP initial app. This problem has been observed in Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, & Windows Server 2025.
