Open ICA File

ICA is a file extension used by Citrix Client files. They are used by Citrix client applications to connect to Citrix XenApp, Citrix XenDesktop and other Citrix server applications.

ICA is short for Independent Computing Architecture. It is a protocol which defines communication to a remote computer and transmission of keystrokes and mouse movements from client to server and video and audio information from server to client. In its functionality it is very similar to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) used by Microsoft Remoted Desktop application. Both of the protocols allow user to control and interact with a remote computer.

ICA file is a plain text configuration file which defines parameters which Citrix client application or web plugin will use to connect to a remote server. ICA file contains server address, transport protocol, compression library, encryption and many other parameters required to connect to a remote computer. Typically, user doesn’t interact with ICA files directly because they are downloaded automatically and launched within the browser. But in certain cases, web browser may stop recognizing ICA files. In such a case it may be required to correct file extension association for Citrix software. The most straightforward way to do it is by reinstalling the latest version of Citrix Receiver.

ICA file could be created by text editor, Citrix ICA File Creator, Citrix Quick Launch. Citrix Quick Launch allows to connect to a remote server and save connection parameters to the ICA file. Citrix Quick Launch could be also used to open ICA file which was previously created by Citrix software.

Open ICA File on Windows OS

Try double clicking on a ICA file in Windows File Explorer.
If the ICA reading software is associated correctly then the file will open
If the file did not open you should install Citrix Receiver Software
To open ICA file in Citrix Receiver you need to double-click on ICA file after Citrix Receiver is installed
Connection settings stored in ICA file will be processed and the Citrix Receiver will prompt you to initiate the connection.

ICA files are transferred over e-mail or internet using application/x-ica multipurpose internet mail extensions (MIME) type.

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