Question 1

What is XPC?

Accepted Answer

XPC is a lightweight Windows access shell that presents users with a focused interface for launching customer-configured Citrix and RDP connections and for managing common endpoint actions such as disconnect, restart, and shutdown.

Question 2

Is XPC an operating system?

Accepted Answer

No. XPC runs on a customer-managed Windows endpoint. Windows remains the underlying operating system.

Question 3

Does XPC replace Citrix Workspace?

Accepted Answer

No. The customer or its IT provider selects, installs, configures, updates, and supports Citrix Workspace. XPC presents and launches the configured connection experience.

Question 4

Does XPC replace our RMM?

Accepted Answer

No. XPC Portal configures and reports on XPC. Your existing RMM and IT tools continue managing Windows, updates, security software, drivers, services, and remote support.

Question 5

Does XPC make Windows secure?

Accepted Answer

XPC helps restrict the ordinary user's interaction with the local Windows desktop, but it is not an endpoint-security product. Windows must still be appropriately licensed, maintained, patched, monitored, and protected by the responsible IT team.

Question 6

Does XPC require Microsoft Intune or Group Policy?

Accepted Answer

XPC does not depend on Intune or Group Policy to provide its user interface. The customer may still use either platform as part of its broader Windows-management strategy.

Question 7

Can our existing Windows agents and services continue running?

Accepted Answer

XPC is designed to leave the Windows environment underneath available for the customer's existing agents, services, RMM, endpoint-security tools, and peripherals, subject to the normal compatibility and configuration requirements of those products.

Question 8

Which Windows versions does XPC support?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the current XPC compatibility matrix. XPC support applies to XPC itself. Customers remain responsible for confirming that Windows, Citrix Workspace, RDP, drivers, and third-party software are appropriate and supported for their environment.

Question 9

What is the difference between Shell Mode and Init Mode?

Accepted Answer

Shell Mode provides the most controlled XPC user experience for dedicated remote-access endpoints. Init Mode is a compatibility-led option for environments where Shell Mode is not appropriate. The implementation team should confirm the correct mode during deployment.

Question 10

How does an administrator reach the normal Windows desktop?

Accepted Answer

An authorised administrator can place the endpoint into XPC Suspended state through XPC Portal, allowing maintenance through the standard Windows shell. XPC mode can be restored afterwards.

Question 11

How is XPC different from Citrix UniconOS?

Accepted Answer

UniconOS replaces Windows with a purpose-built Linux endpoint operating system and is managed through UniconOS Management. XPC retains Windows and changes the user experience, while the customer's existing tools continue managing the underlying endpoint.

A focused Windows endpoint experience for Citrix and RDP.

From install to steady state.

Install XPC on the Windows endpoint

Register the endpoint

Assign an XPC Configuration

Choose the appropriate operating mode

Present approved Citrix and RDP connections

Maintain Windows with existing IT tools

One endpoint. Two management responsibilities.

XPC Portal manages

Your IT platform manages

Closer to a controlled Windows shell than a new OS.

Frequently asked questions.

See XPC on a real Windows endpoint.