Fonts and Icons in ICA sessions Appear Larger Post - Installing Microsoft Update for win32k.sys

Fonts and Icons in ICA sessions Appear Larger Post - Installing Microsoft Update for win32k.sys

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Article ID: CTX137659

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Updated On:

Description

After installing a Microsoft Update for win32k.sys, fonts and icons in ICA sessions might appear larger than they did before the installation, because the DPI value for the session has increased unexpectedly.

Environment

Caution! Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that might require you to reinstall your operating system. Citrix cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. Be sure to back up the registry before you edit it.

Resolution

Complete one or all of the following tasks to resolve the issue:
Caution! Refer to the Disclaimer at the end of this article before using Registry Editor.

  1. If the server does not require any hotfixes for win32k.sys, uninstall these hotfixes, so that the server is now running the GDR version of win32k.sys.

  2. Install Microsoft hotfix KB2726399. Microsoft released this hotfix for server 2008 R2 which allows users to change the DPI for RDP (and subsequently ICA) sessions.
    Note: For users to manually change the DPI for their sessions, access the Display options in Control Panel. Therefore, if users are accessing seamless applications (as opposed to a full desktop), or the Display options control has been disabled by Group Policy or another third-party mechanism, this option might not be suitable for that environment.

  3. Create a registry key called LogPixels under HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop with the desired value for that user. If required, the registry key might be rolled out to all users using Group Policy, logon scripts, or another third-party profile management solution.

  4. Modify the value of LogPixels under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Hardware\Profiles\Current\Software\Fonts to 96.
    Note: Ensure this does not cause any negative impact for any applications running on the server, such as legacy applications.

    It is advised to consider the suitability of each option for the environment, and thoroughly test any changes before implementing these in a production environment.

Problem Cause

This occurs because the following conditions have been met on the affected server:
  • The server is running the LDR (Limited Distribution Release) version of win32k.sys rather than the GDR (General Distribution Release) version of win32k.sys. This could happen if the administrator has done one of the following:
    • Installed a hotfix (as distinct from an update such as a Critical or Security Update) for win32k.sys on the XenApp server. Hotfixes are taken from the LDR branch, and therefore all subsequent update installations also are taken from the LDR branch (regardless of whether they are hotfixes or not).

      OR

    • During the installation of an update (such as a Critical or Security Update) for win32k.sys, an administrator forced the install from the LDR branch, rather than the default GDR branch.
  • The DPI for the server (contained under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Hardware\Profiles\Current\Software\Fonts\LogPixels) is set to a value other than 96 (100%).

Issue/Introduction

This article contains information to ensure Font and Icons in ICA sessions appear as expected after installing Microsoft Update for win32k.sys.

Additional Information

The LogPixels registry key is a DWORD value. Following are the common values:

0x96 100%
0x120 125%
0x144 150%
Notes:
  • The following PowerShell command might be useful in helping determine the hotfixes that are installed on the server:

    Get-Hotfix –description Hotfix

  •  Ensure to read the complete help content available, to understand the data cmdlet returns. Run the get-help get-hotfix command to get the help content.
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