How to Report Horizon Client Versions Across User Sessions Using ControlUp

A common requirement for managing VMware Horizon environments is the ability to report on the endpoint client versions—referred to as “HZ Client Version”—used by users to connect to the Horizon infrastructure. This need becomes particularly important in hybrid environments where users connect from both managed internal devices and unmanaged BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) endpoints. Tracking client versions helps administrators identify devices running outdated Horizon clients that require upgrades to ensure security, compatibility, and optimal performance.

Within ControlUp, the Horizon client version information can be accessed via several mechanisms. The VDI – Details view in the ControlUp console displays the HZ Client Version associated with each session, providing a straightforward way to see the current client version used. For programmatic or historical data extraction needs, ControlUp also offers a real-time data API (https://api.controlup.io/reference/gettables) which can retrieve live session details including client versions. Additionally, the “initial HZ client version” field recorded in the Session Activity report captures the client version that was used to start the session. This field, although labeled as “initial,” effectively serves as a snapshot of the client version at session start.

However, because users in hybrid scenarios may connect multiple times throughout the week from different devices or update their Horizon client between sessions (for example, by disconnecting, updating, and reconnecting), it is important to consider that the client version can vary across sessions. The “initial HZ client version” is tied to each individual session start, so accumulating this information over a period allows administrators to identify all versions in use and target users on outdated clients. Pulling session activity reports over time and correlating the client versions used enables identification of BYOD devices needing updates even if the same user connects from multiple endpoints.

In summary, the “initial HZ client version” contained in ControlUp’s Session Activity reports is the key field for tracking Horizon client versions across user sessions. The ControlUp real-time data API further facilitates custom querying and automation for this reporting. For detailed exploration of session data, the VDI – Details view complements these options with an at-a-glance interface. Using these tools, administrators in hybrid environments are able to efficiently monitor and manage Horizon client versions on both managed and BYOD devices, ensuring compliance and performance consistency.

Read the entire ‘How to Report Horizon Client Versions Across User Sessions Using ControlUp’ thread below:

Good day! I am looking to pull a report that lists the endpoint client versions (HZ Client Version) used to connect to my Horizon environment. I realize session activity has the initial connection version and historical history has the information, just looking to see if we can pull this from the in memory database or another method.

User’s are hybrid so I need to identify those that need to upgrade their BYOD devices.

If you go to VDI – Details you should be able to see HZ Client version

We have also released a real-time data API if you want to pull it from there.

But initial HZ client version should work for you as well. It records the session of the client used to start that session. I’m a but confused about the ‘initial’ naming. But in theory the client version could be updated by disconnecting, updating the client and then reconnecting again.

It changes for my users, some are internal on login(managed devices), others are at home on BYOD(Unmanaged devices). So I need to gather the HZ Client versions across the week so I can identify the ones that need to upgrade their BYOD.

That makes sense, but then the session activity report ‘initial HZ client version’ field would work for you no?

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