AWS workspaces: Added new client experience preview and updated documentation structure
Summary
Introduced a preview of the modernized client interface, restructured sections for clarity, updated diagnostic logging, and revised network/proxy settings.
Security assessment
The evidence line highlights a feature addition for user experience improvements. Changes focus on functionality, UI updates, and troubleshooting enhancements without addressing vulnerabilities or security controls.
Evidence
+ * New client experience (Public Preview)
Diff
diff --git a/workspaces/latest/userguide/amazon-workspaces-windows-client.md b/workspaces/latest/userguide/amazon-workspaces-windows-client.md index dd0d56daf..a1c257bf8 100644 --- a//workspaces/latest/userguide/amazon-workspaces-windows-client.md +++ b//workspaces/latest/userguide/amazon-workspaces-windows-client.md @@ -7 +7 @@ -RequirementsSetup and installationDetermine your client versionClient application updatesIPv6 network settingsConnect to your WorkSpaceManage your login information (3.0+ clients only)Client viewsClient languageDisplay supportProxy serversCommand shortcutsDisconnectClipboard supportManage hardware accelerationDiagnostic log uploadRelease notes +RequirementsNew client experience (Public Preview)Setup and installationDetermining your client versionClient updatesClient languageConnecting to your WorkSpaceManaging your sign-in informationNetwork connectivity and reconnecting to your WorkSpaceConnection settingsUsing external displaysKeyboard shortcutsDisconnecting and exitingClipboard supportDiagnostic loggingRelease notes @@ -16,0 +17,2 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows + * New client experience (Public Preview) + @@ -19 +21 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Determine your client version + * Determining your client version @@ -21 +23 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Client application updates + * Client updates @@ -23 +25 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * IPv6 network settings + * Client language @@ -25 +27 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Connect to your WorkSpace + * Connecting to your WorkSpace @@ -27 +29 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Manage your login information (3.0+ clients only) + * Managing your sign-in information @@ -29 +31 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Client views + * Network connectivity and reconnecting to your WorkSpace @@ -31 +33 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Client language + * Connection settings @@ -33 +35 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Display support + * Using external displays @@ -35 +37 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Proxy servers + * Keyboard shortcuts @@ -37,3 +39 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Command shortcuts - - * Disconnect + * Disconnecting and exiting @@ -43,3 +43 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * Manage hardware acceleration - - * Diagnostic log upload + * Diagnostic logging @@ -54 +52 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows - * The Amazon WorkSpaces client for Windows requires a Microsoft supported version of Windows 11 or Windows 10. For more details, please see Microsoft’s guidance here: [Windows 11 release information](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows11-release-information) or [Windows 10 release information](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/release-information). + * The Amazon WorkSpaces client for Windows requires a Microsoft supported version of Windows 11. For more details, see [Windows 11 release information](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows11-release-information). For information about supported WorkSpaces client versions, see [End of life policy for WorkSpaces client applications](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/workspaces/latest/adminguide/workspaces-eol.html). @@ -59 +57 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows -## Setup and installation +## New client experience (Public Preview) @@ -61 +59 @@ The following information will help you get started with the WorkSpaces Windows -Download and install the latest version of the Amazon WorkSpaces client application from [Amazon WorkSpaces Client Download](https://clients.amazonworkspaces.com/). +Starting with version 5.34, the WorkSpaces client for Windows includes a new client experience alongside the current (classic) experience. The new client experience includes an updated interface and is designed to be easier to use, with a simplified connection flow, easier-to-find settings and session tools, more helpful error messaging, and a new Session Health feature. @@ -63 +61 @@ Download and install the latest version of the Amazon WorkSpaces client applicat -You have two choices for how to install the Amazon WorkSpaces client application: +###### Note @@ -65 +63 @@ You have two choices for how to install the Amazon WorkSpaces client application - * **Install just for you**. If you choose this option and you share your local machine with other users, the WorkSpaces client application is available only to you. If other users on the machine also want to use the WorkSpaces client application, they must install the application for their own use. +The new client experience supports connecting to DCV-based WorkSpaces only. @@ -67 +65 @@ You have two choices for how to install the Amazon WorkSpaces client application - * **Install for all users of this machine**. If you choose this option, the WorkSpaces client application is available to anyone who logs on to the local machine, including those with Guest accounts. +### Switching between experiences @@ -68,0 +67 @@ You have two choices for how to install the Amazon WorkSpaces client application +By default, the client opens in the classic experience. If your administrator has not disabled the new experience, after entering your registration code, you will see a link on the top right of the client application that lets you try the new experience. Choose **Try New WorkSpaces** to start. @@ -69,0 +69 @@ You have two choices for how to install the Amazon WorkSpaces client application +###### Note @@ -70,0 +71 @@ You have two choices for how to install the Amazon WorkSpaces client application +Switching experiences may take a few moments. @@ -72 +73 @@ You have two choices for how to install the Amazon WorkSpaces client application -Installing the WorkSpaces client application for all users requires you to have administrator privileges on your local machine. Depending on how your local machine is configured, you might not have such privileges. In that case, you can install the WorkSpaces client application just for yourself. If you have questions about which option to choose, ask your WorkSpaces administrator for guidance. + @@ -74 +75,3 @@ Installing the WorkSpaces client application for all users requires you to have -### Installing the USB redirection driver +If your administrator has set a policy that requires a specific experience (new or classic), the option to switch is hidden and the client uses the experience your administrator selected. For more information, contact your administrator. + +### Returning to the classic experience @@ -76 +79 @@ Installing the WorkSpaces client application for all users requires you to have -To use your local USB devices on the remote session, you will need to install the USB redirection driver. To install this driver, you will need to install the WorkSpaces application for all users, and then check the box to **Install driver for USB redirection**. +If you switched to the new experience and want to return to classic, choose the **Return to classic** option on the top right of the new experience. @@ -78 +81 @@ To use your local USB devices on the remote session, you will need to install th -## Determine your client version +###### Note @@ -80 +83 @@ To use your local USB devices on the remote session, you will need to install th -To see which version of the WorkSpaces client you have, choose **Amazon WorkSpaces** , **About Amazon WorkSpaces** , or click the gear icon in the upper-right corner and choose **About Amazon WorkSpaces**. +Switching back may take a few moments. @@ -82 +85 @@ To see which version of the WorkSpaces client you have, choose **Amazon WorkSpac -## Client application updates + @@ -84 +87 @@ To see which version of the WorkSpaces client you have, choose **Amazon WorkSpac -The Amazon WorkSpaces client application on Windows will automatically check for available updates, and when new versions become available, will install them in the background when you’re not using it. Once the installation is complete, you simply need to open the client to begin using the latest version. This will provide you with faster access to the latest features, enhancements, and bug fixes without interrupting your productivity. +### Preview badge @@ -86 +89 @@ The Amazon WorkSpaces client application on Windows will automatically check for -Client updates maintain the same installation context as the original installation. This means if the Amazon WorkSpaces client was originally installed for all users on the local machine, future automatic updates will apply to all users. Similarly, if the client was installed for a single user, future updates will only apply to that specific user. Should you need to change this behavior, you can uninstall the client application and reinstall it under your preferred installation context. +While the new experience is in Public Preview, a **Preview** badge appears in the client. Choose the badge to see release notes, known limitations, and a link to send your feedback to AWS. @@ -88 +91 @@ Client updates maintain the same installation context as the original installati -###### Note + @@ -90 +93 @@ Client updates maintain the same installation context as the original installati -Automatic client updates are only applied when your client application is used to connect to WorkSpaces in the following regions. +### What's different in the new client experience? @@ -92,23 +95 @@ Automatic client updates are only applied when your client application is used t -AWS Region | Address ----|--- -US East (N. Virginia) | us-east-1 -US West (Oregon) | us-west-2 -Africa (Cape Town) | af-south-1 -Asia Pacific (Mumbai) | ap-south-1 -Asia Pacific (Seoul) | ap-northeast-2 -Asia Pacific (Singapore) | ap-southeast-1 -Asia Pacific (Sydney) | ap-southeast-2 -Asia Pacific (Tokyo) | ap-northeast-1 -Canada (Central) | ca-central-1 -Europe (Frankfurt) | eu-central-1 -Europe (Ireland) | eu-west-1 -Europe (London) | eu-west-2 -Europe (Paris) | eu-west-3 -Israel (Tel Aviv) | il-central-1 -South America (São Paulo) | sa-east-1 - -In any other regions not listed above, the Amazon WorkSpaces client application on Windows will not update automatically; you will instead see an message when a new version is available, and will have the option to install it. - -### Opting out from automatic updates (Windows client only) - -We encourage you to take advantage of the new automatic client update feature so you always have access to the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. However, if you or your administrator want to manage client updates manually, you can opt out by following these steps for Windows clients. +The new experience includes the following changes and improvements: @@ -116 +97 @@ We encourage you to take advantage of the new automatic client update feature so -###### Note + * **Updated interface** — a redesigned user interface with a cleaner layout, easier-to-find settings and tools, and a modern look-and-feel. @@ -118 +99 @@ We encourage you to take advantage of the new automatic client update feature so -Opting out from automatic updates is supported for the Windows client application only. + * **Simplified connection and sign-in flow** — a revised flow for registering and connecting to a WorkSpace, and additional customization options for managing WorkSpaces you frequently access. For more details, see Connecting to your WorkSpace and Managing your sign-in information. @@ -120 +101 @@ Opting out from automatic updates is supported for the Windows client applicatio -Administrator privileges are required on the local device. + * **Support for color themes** — choose between light, dark, or follow your system's theme settings. Change this from the **WorkSpaces** menu > **Settings** > **Appearance**. @@ -122 +103 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 1. Open the by Type "registry editor" in the Windows search box. + @@ -124 +105 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 2. Right-click on **Registry Editor** and select **Run as administrator**. + * **New toolbar** — a consolidated toolbar available during your WorkSpace session, providing access to keyboard shortcuts, device controls you can use for your session (camera, microphone, audio, USB devices), file transfer options, and a new Session Health feature. In addition, the new toolbar includes a set of window actions you can take – minimize, maximize / full screen, and disconnect / close. @@ -126 +107 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 3. If prompted for permission, choose **Yes**. + * When your session is in **windowed mode** , the toolbar appears at the top of the session window, as part of the window title, so it does not block your session view. @@ -128 +109 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 4. Open a command line. + @@ -130 +111 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 5. Navigate to: `Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Amazon\`. + * When your session is in **full screen mode** , the toolbar floats near the top of the screen for a few seconds, and then automatically hides away to help you focus. @@ -132 +113 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 6. If it does not already exist, create a new Key called "Amazon WorkSpaces Client". + * If you need to move it out of the way, click-and-hold anywhere on it, drag it alongside the top edge of the screen, and drop it into any other horizontal position. @@ -134 +115 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 7. Within this key, create a new String Value named "clientUpgradeDisabled" and set its value to 1. + * If you want the toolbar to reappear, move your mouse near the top edge of the screen near the minimized toolbar and it will reappear in full. @@ -136 +117 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 8. Either restart your computer or do the following to apply the changes: + * If you want to keep the toolbar always visible, choose **Pin the toolbar** (pin icon). @@ -138 +119 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 1. Open the **Task Manager**. + @@ -140 +121 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 2. Go to the **Processes** tab. + * **Session Health** — a new feature that monitors session quality conditions (including network status, service reachability, Wi-Fi signal strength, network latency, bandwidth, and local device metrics which may sometimes affect your session, such as local device CPU utilization and memory usage) and suggests actions you can take to resolve issues. @@ -142 +123 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 3. Search for one of the following: + * The **Session health** icon will change color if anything needs attention, and choosing the icon will open the panel on the right side where details will be provided. Choose the relevant questions at the bottom of the panel to learn more. @@ -144 +125 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - * For an "all users" installation, search for `WorkSpacesService.exe`. + * If you need to move the panel out of the way, choose **Undock** (undock icon) on the top right of the panel, and you can move it freely around the session. Choose **Dock** (dock icon) to move it back to the right side. @@ -146 +127 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - * For a "single user" installation, search for `WorkSpacesHelper.exe`. + @@ -148 +129 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 4. Right-click and select **End process**. + @@ -150 +131 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - 9. For organizations managing multiple Windows devices, this registry setting can be deployed using Group Policy: + @@ -152,3 +133 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Amazon\Amazon WorkSpaces Client\clientUpgradeDisabled - Type: REG_SZ - Value: 1 + * **Simplified full screen mode and usage of multiple external displays** — For more details, see Full screen mode and using multiple displays. @@ -155,0 +135 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. + * **New Devices panel to manage local devices you can use in your WorkSpace session** — including your local speakers, microphone, and camera, in addition to other USB devices that have been enabled by your administrator. @@ -156,0 +137 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. + @@ -157,0 +139 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. + * **New File transfer experience to move files to and from your WorkSpace** — when this feature is enabled by your administrator. @@ -159 +141 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. -## IPv6 network settings + * Choose the **File transfer** (folder icon) in the toolbar to get started. @@ -161 +143 @@ Administrator privileges are required on the local device. -The WorkSpaces Windows client application supports connecting to your WorkSpace using IPv4, IPv6, or dual-stack (both IPv4 and IPv6) addresses. By default, IPv4 connections are used for streaming. IPv6 connections are disabled by default, meaning that your client application will exclusively use an IPv4 network for your connection. If you enable IPv6 connections, your client application will prioritize using an IPv6 network, but will fall back to using an IPv4 network if IPv6 is not available. + * Choose the **Back** , **Forward** , **Up** , and **Refresh** icons to navigate your WorkSpace storage folders. @@ -163 +145 @@ The WorkSpaces Windows client application supports connecting to your WorkSpace