Windows 11 will run on Citrix virtual machine software — at some point

Windows 11 Hero
Windows 11 Hero (Image credit: Zac Bowden | Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Citrix is working to enable its virtual machine software to function with Windows 11.
  • To work with Windows 11, virtual machines have to have TPM 2.0 support.
  • Citrix has not shared a timeline for when its virtual machine software will be compatible with Windows 11.

Citrix confirmed that its virtual machine (VM) software will work with Windows 11, though the company has not provided a timeline for when its VM will support the new operating system. A Citrix spokesperson told TechRadar that the company is "adding vTPM support to Citrix Hypervisor 8.2." That addition will allow Citrix's VM software to run Windows 11.

While Citrix has confirmed that it is working on adding vTPM support to its software, the company hasn't said how long people will need to wait to use Citrix to run Windows 11.

On September 16, 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22000.194. As part of that announcement, the company explained that virtual machines will have to meet the same system requirements as physical machines, including the need for TPM 2.0. That change affected virtual machine software makers, including Citrix and Oracle.

If created with Microsoft's Hyper-V, VMs need to be created as a Generation 2 VM.

Oracle told TechRadar Pro that an upcoming version of VirtualBox will feature "virtual TPM emulation." It also explained that VMware Workstation Pro meets the minimum requirements of Windows 11. Citrix will have to take similar steps to get its VM software to work with Microsoft's new operating system.

To get an idea of how widespread the TPM virtual machine issue is, take a look at the statistics regarding how enterprise devices are faring with Windows 11.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.