Citrix XenDesktop/XenApp 7.6 FP3 has introduced enhanced architecture to support both 24-bit and 32-bit advanced cursors. Historically remoting protocols have supported simpler cursors but with an increase in the use of complex and larger cursors for complex CAD and 3D applications, Citrix has introduced a new architecture to support such cursors on-going.
Historically many remoting protocols evolved to support basic cursors. Many cursors such as a mouse pointer are simple and do not use transparency (alpha-channel), protocols took advantage of this to transmit the cursor at a lower bit resolution (24-bit rather than 32-bit) and remote this frequently changing part of the screen efficiency. Today though, many applications use cursors that are more like dashboards or tools with rich visual effects including transparency.
With the huge uptake of HDX to remote 3D CAD applications and similar, we have enhanced XenDesktop and XenApp with a new architecture to support both legacy, hybrid and advanced cursor representations, to ensure designers using applications such as AutoCAD and PTC Creo always get a workstation rather than reduced cursor experience.
RDP is still limited in support and customers may experience issues which they should report to Microsoft.
Comparison of cursors and expected results:
Note: DCR has always supported 32-bit cursors so it is excluded from this summary/comparison, and Legacy Thinwire (as set by the legacy mode graphics policy) does not support 32-bit cursors.
Useful Links
- Performance Tip: Disabling Mouse Shadow for XenDesktop and XenApp: https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2015/04/09/performance-tip-disabling-mouse-shadow-for-xendesktop-and-xenapp/
- CTX202246 – Cursors Display Issues with Complex CAD Cursors (Example: Autodesk and PTC Creo) in RDP and HDX in XenDesktop/XenApp 7.6 FP2 or Earlier
Virtually Visual 
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