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Do not allow desktop launch when InitialProgram setting is missing or empty in ICA file

Verified with Citrix Workspace App 26.3.10 — updated on July 10, 2026

Supported on: All Citrix Workspace supported platforms

Path in the GPO console

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Citrix Components\Citrix Workspace\Client Engine

Description

Do not allow desktop launch when InitialProgram setting is missing or empty in ICA file

Registry

HKCU SOFTWARE\Policies\Citrix

Value name: EmptyInitialProgramLaunchRestrictionEnabled

Enabled: EmptyInitialProgramLaunchRestrictionEnabled = 1

Disabled: EmptyInitialProgramLaunchRestrictionEnabled = 0

Export Builder

BETA

Configure the state, scope and options, then generate .reg, PowerShell, Intune and SCCM outputs — or add the setting to a multi-setting collection.

These exports write the registry — this is not a managed GPO.

.reg file

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; Exported from gporais.com
; Policy: Do not allow desktop launch when InitialProgram setting is missing or empty in ICA file
; State: Enabled
; Supported on: All Citrix Workspace supported platforms

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Citrix]
"EmptyInitialProgramLaunchRestrictionEnabled"=dword:00000001
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Do not allow desktop launch when InitialProgram setting is missing or empty in ICA file
# State: Enabled
# Supported on: All Citrix Workspace supported platforms
# Warning: In SYSTEM context (the Intune default), HKCU targets the SYSTEM profile. Run this script using the logged-on credentials.

$path = 'HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Citrix'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'EmptyInitialProgramLaunchRestrictionEnabled' -Value 1 -Type DWord

Building a multi-setting collection? Add this setting and generate combined .reg / PowerShell / GPO scripts.

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