6.8.6.8711 Release Notes (November 9, 2023)

Important:
For Existing Software Installations: Liquidware supports upgrades to existing ProfileUnity installations that are current on support contracts. However, it may be to your advantage to migrate to a new installation due to several architectural and feature changes. See the Upgrading to 6.8.6 section below for more information on upgrade or migration options. See the Feature Updates Affecting Product Behavior Post Upgrade section below for more information on product changes that may affect your decision on whether to upgrade or migrate your currently installed version.

Product Updates

ProfileUnity Management Console

  • Security Enhancements:
    • MongoDB Upgrade: We've bolstered our security by upgrading MongoDB to version 4.4.24. This upgrade will be applied in multiple scenarios: the standalone installer, when transitioning from 6.8.5 to 6.8.6, and throughout the system.
  • Enhanced Flexibility:
    • Global Settings Customization: In cases where the Active Directory search might be unavailable, users can now input custom settings right from the initialization phase.
    • Support for Amazon S3 IAM Roles: The console has evolved to support Amazon S3 IAM roles, eliminating the need for Amazon EC2 instance credentials when accessing Amazon S3 storage.
  • Template Improvements:
    • Microsoft Edge Chromium Support: The built-in templates now feature portability extensions rules tailored for Microsoft Edge Chromium. Furthermore, we've incorporated a registry rule that helps in disabling hardware acceleration specifically for Microsoft Edge Chromium.
    • Efficiency with Upgrades: Templates introduced in version 6.8.6 will be available seamlessly during upgrades, removing the need to redeploy any template.
    • Office 2021 Support: Templates now come with a registry rule and filter to "Disable Hardware Acceleration" for Office 2021.
    • Cloud Templates Optimized for Bandwidth: Recognizing the challenges with bandwidth, our cloud templates now default to utilizing smaller archives, thereby enhancing the efficiency of data transfers.
  • User Experience Enhancements:
    • Localization: Our commitment to serving a global user base is reflected in our UI updates. The entire User Interface of the console has now been meticulously translated into German, French, and Japanese.
    • Administration Reporting: Within the Administration section, users can now generate a comprehensive report that showcases all administrative screens, complemented by a detailed description of license specifics.
    • .NET Core Upgrade: To ensure the latest technology stack and improved performance, we've upgraded .NET Core to version 6.0.16.

Client

  • Enhanced Integration with Cloud Services:
    • Azure Group Caching: To enhance reliability and speed, Azure groups are now locally cached. This ensures that even if there are issues communicating with Azure Active Directory, operations relying on triggers or logoffs will proceed without interruptions.
  • Optimized Performance:
    • Increased Process Priority: We've elevated the process priority class for the ProfileUnity client. Users can anticipate quicker logins and logoffs. Moreover, this modification can mitigate potential slowdowns, especially when using aggressive antivirus or security software.
  • Improved Logoff Efficiency:
    • We've optimized the portability save process during logoff, allowing for parallel saves. As a result, logoff speeds can potentially be halved, making for a notably smoother experience.
  • Extended Compatibility:
    • Dell KACE Integration: ProfileUnity can better coexist seamlessly alongside Dell KACE, facilitating users who rely on both tools.
  • Enhanced Package Handling:
    • Support for Large FlexApp Packages: Recognizing the evolving demands of applications, the client now supports multi-file FlexApp One for packaging applications that exceed 4 GB in size.
  • Advanced Diagnostics:
    • Extended Diagnostics Tool Capabilities: In our relentless pursuit of providing impeccable support, the diagnostics tool has been augmented to capture userprofile.reg and userprofile.cap files, enriching the data available for troubleshooting.
  • Custom Folder Redirection:
    • Session Isolation Support: Recognizing the challenges of multi-user systems, Custom Folder Redirection now supports session isolation. If an application, for instance, saves its preferences in a shared location like C:\Program Files\MyApp\settings.ini, this can lead to conflicts. FlexApp's new feature allows you to redirect such files on a per-user basis, such as rerouting to %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\MyApp\settings.ini. This means that tools like ProfileDisk or Portability will automatically handle these files at an individual user level, preventing overlaps.

FlexApp

  • Enhanced Caching Capabilities:
    • Advanced VHDX Block Caching: FlexApp introduces an option to cache all VHDX blocks on the local machine for uninterrupted offline access. What’s more, users don’t have to wait for all blocks to be cached to start using FlexApps. When a user requests specific blocks, they are prioritized over the general caching process. Additionally, this feature is smart enough to manage bandwidth, ensuring your internet connection remains unburdened.
  • Optimized Application Performance:
    • Increased Process Priority: We've made modifications to ensure that FlexApp runs at a higher process priority class. This means users will experience faster application playbacks. This change is especially beneficial when aggressive antivirus or security software is running, as it counteracts potential application slowdowns.
  • Framework Upgrades:
    • .NET Core 6 Integration: The underlying engine of the FlexApp container service has been migrated to .NET Core 6. This promises improved efficiency and stability. As part of the installation process, .NET 6 will be automatically set up when the ProfileUnity client is installed, ensuring streamlined integration, and reducing manual setups.
  • Enhanced App-V Conversion:
    • Variable/Key Support Monitoring: When converting App-V packages, any unsupported variables or keys that aren’t present in the KeyList will now be flagged in the logs. This ensures that you can swiftly identify and add such variables or keys to a configuration file KeyList for smoother package conversion and deployment.

FlexApp Packaging Console

  • Advanced Application Capturing:
    • High Compatibility as the Default: To ensure our users have the smoothest experience when capturing applications, we've made "High Compatibility" the default capture mode. This decision is driven by our continuous aim to maximize the success rate of application captures, thereby reducing potential issues or retries for users.
  • Enhanced File Server Navigation:
    • Visibility of Hidden File Shares: In our ongoing effort to make the console more user-friendly, we've enhanced our file server browsing feature. Now, even hidden file shares will be visible when users navigate through file servers. This transparency ensures users have a full view of their resources, aiding in more informed decision-making during packaging.
  • Global Accessibility with Localization:
    • Broadened Language Support: In recognition of our diverse global user base, we have put in meticulous effort to make the FlexApp Packaging console accessible to more users. The entire user interface of the console has been thoughtfully translated into German, French, and Japanese. This reaffirms our commitment to offering a seamless experience to users across various regions.

Issues Resolved

ProfileUnity Management Console

  • Fixed an issue where Windows 10 and 11 filters don't include Terminal Server and fire false on Windows 10/11 multiuser AVD.
  • Fixed an issue where administrative template module would append numbers to a name in INI and registry.
  • Fixed an issue where the Icon for Microsoft Edge and Chrome would appear as white on the taskbar.
  • Fixed an issue with Inventory where deleting FlexApp packages from cloud storage did not delete them.
  • Fixed an issue within Administration > Settings > WebServices where the "Force SSL" dropdown was removed, and web site traffic is defaulted to SSL.
  • Fixed an issue where cluster email notifications now have the license service, and the fabric was removed. 
  • Fixed an issue where when searching the results were incorrect. 
  • Fixed an issue where some database restores failed with in place 6.8.5 upgrades.
  • Fixed an issue where clusters nodes didn’t use FQDN.
  • Fixed an issue where Active Directory, User Group searching did not complete and returned no results.
  • Fixed an issue where Configuration Management could hang after deploying an updated INI.
  • Fixed an issue where an SSL certificate was not applied to license server on upgraded consoles.
  • Fixed an issue where Filters used by configurations might get deleted on upgrade.
  • Fixed an issue where you were unable to add nodes after SSL certificate is changed.
  • Fixed an issue where customized default filters were replaced after upgrade to 6.8.5.
  • Fixed an issue where a server 500 error occurred with first logon, after first setting admin’s account password.
  • Fixed an issue where you were unable to add 6th cluster node.
  • Fixed an issue where Filters were not visible in 'User Defined Scripts' Module or in the configuration.
  • Fixed an issue where Filters applied to rules did not show as being in use.
  • Fixed an issue where Filters using Organizational Unit and Active Directory group exact matches did not work.
  • Fixed an issue under Administration > Access and Authentication where Admin group users logging in were not marked as admin in the user list.
  • Fixed an issue where the console web interface was not accessible after setting a custom SSL cert and rebooting.
  • Fixed an issue where Internet Explorer would hang when accessing the Administration page.
  • Fixed an issue within License Management where the lists did not fill the browser.
  • Fixed an issue where you were able to save the WebServices Port to something already in-use.
  • Fixed an issue within Administration > Settings > Client Settings > Manage Connection Strings where it did not close after viewing.
  • Fix an issue under Administration where the "View in PDF" report was missing the following sections: proxy info, license reporting setting, reporting setting, and license servers list.
  • Fixed an issue where when the web service Port was changed the old firewall rules were left behind.
  • Fixed an issue within Administration > Settings > Path Overrides where if a path contained multiple overrides, only the first override was processed.
  • Fixed an issue where renamed default Filters and Portability rulesets were reverted.
  • Fixed an issue where clustering nodes with different web ports caused cluster status to have incorrect ports for each node with a mismatch.
  • Fixed an issue where the console could not communicate with the license service with the firewall enabled.
  • Fixed an issue where the License Server firewall rule was not working.
  • Fixed an issue where the License Service might not start in a timely manner at boot.
  • Fixed an issue where ProfileUnity console service failed to come up after reboot if its set to port 443.
  • Fixed an issue where the License Service failed to add the SSL thumbprint to its XML if an existing certificate already existed.

Client

  • Fixed an issue where FlexApp packages did not replay after persistent OS "crash" or when the ProfileUnity Client was not being run at logoff.
  • Fixed an issue where the splash screen logo was distorted.
  • Fixed an issue where the splash screen appeared to be closing prematurely.
  • Fixed an issue where the Client had a 100-group limit for Azure group membership query.
  • Fixed an issue where user set file associations were not applying correctly. 
  • Fixed an issue where silent mode was not working.
  • Fixed an issue in Shortcuts where user's startup group shortcuts were not being run by Windows Explorer.
  • Fixed an issue where local, or non-directory user accounts failed to process logon when Azure filter was used in INI.
  • Fixed an issue where startup.exe log path could be set to an inaccessible location causing failed uninstalls.
  • Fixed an issue where you were unable to login to a machine immediately after boot without getting License Service not running message.
  • Fixed an issue where offline timing out from object store would take to long. 
  • Fixed an issue where the Virtual disk module did not delete non-empty mount points.
  • Fixed an issue where Windows self-service password reset and Windows hello PIN setup failed when Client Tools were installed.
  • Fixed an issue where Cached FlexApp One EXEs were removed during offline logins when filter used Azure Group Membership.
  • Fixed an issue where the Trigger module was not working in German Environment.
  • Fixed an issue where Portability of a single file took longer than expected to save on logoff.
  • Fixed an issue in Startup.Update where the ProU-as-a-Service account was being updated for changes only to the case of the username.
  • Fixed an issue where the IP Printers module was not installing all printers.

FlexApp

  • Fixed an issue where FlexApp cleared PendingFileRenameOperations on playback.
  • Fixed an issue where App-V conversion to FlexpApp failed with content path length is too long System.IO.PathTooLongException.
  • Fixed an issue where VHD child (un)mount needed more time.
  • Fixed an issue where ProfileDisk used HKLM for Chrome and Edge UserDataDir value causing issues on RDS. This is now handled at the HKCU level.
  • Fixed an issue where ProfileDisk might restore incorrect user profile path.
  • Fixed an issue on reverse play where installed fonts were not removed. 
  • Fixed an issue where Outlook LTSC 2021 was not functional as a FlexApp.
  • Fixed an issue where Citrix Workspace did not playback correctly.
  • Fixed an issue where FlexApp shortcuts were missing on the second and subsequent logins.

FlexApp Packaging Console

  • Fixed an issue where Merging packages failed if the package did not have valid shortcuts.
  • Fixed an issue where values were missing after importing a registry file.
  • Fixed an issue where you were unable to browse shares via DFS namespace.
  • Fixed an issue where AppData and HKCU were not cleaned up when using FPC built-in rollback system restore.

ProfileUnity Component Versions

Component 6.8.6
Console UI 6.8.6.8711
FlexDisk Service 6.8.6.8637
Client.NET 6.8.6.8711
VirtFS 6.8.6.8711
LWL UserApp Player 6.8.6.8711
LWL UserApp Service 6.8.6.8711
LWL Elevation Service 6.8.6.8711
LWL License Service 6.8.6.8711
FPC 6.8.6.8711
FPC Player 6.8.6.8711
FPC VirtFS 6.8.6.8711

Known Issues and Limitations

Important: End-of-Life for ProfileUnity versions 6.8.1 and 6.8.2
Effective 12/31/2023, Liquidware will be discontinuing all sales and technical support of the ProfileUnity versions listed in the knowledge base article entitled "End-of-Life for Following Versions of ProfileUnity 6.8.X." We encourage all customers who might still be utilizing these versions to upgrade to a more recent version to take advantage of the numerous technologies & feature enhancements as well as resolved support issues. For a full list of End-of-Life dates, refer to this URL: https://www.liquidware.com/support/sections/202062243-Updates.

  • FlexApp on AppStream leveraging the dynamic application framework is not supported in this release, it will be supported in 6.8.7 due out later in 2024. Publishing a Full Desktop using FlexApp normally is supported without the dynamic application framework to publish the application.
  • There is a known issue where you cannot upgrade a ProfileUnity cluster, where the cluster nodes have a valid IPV6 address from a valid IPV6 DHCP scope. For more information, see Clustering - Error adding third cluster node.
  • There could be an issue upgrading the ProfileUnity Console that was deployed by the Amazon AWS Marketplace or the Azure Marketplace, you will have to email support@liquidware.com for assistance.
  • The following features no longer support 32-bit Windows, FlexApp, FlexApp packaging console, ProfileDisk, Custom Folder redirection using a Hard Redirect and Registry Redirection.
  • Client-side Amazon S3 credential free option (IAM) is not functional in this release but Console and FPC work.
  • Using Internet Explorer to manage the ProfileUnity console is no longer supported.
  • Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2012 R2 are not supported.
  • Outlook file previewer does not work in a FlexApp version of Office 365. Double-clicking the file works fine.
  • Performance collection is unavailable in developer tools on Internet Explorer 11 and Legacy Edge when ProfileDisk is enabled.
  • Audit Management —Changing No Filter To Filter shows internal filter ID, not friendly name.
  • Files that have more than 260 characters are not processed by the Portability engine.
  • If the customer has automatic root certificate updates disabled, the ProfileUnity Management Console install might fail with data1.cab certificate error.
    • FED and some commercial accounts following federal STIG guidelines could have automatic root certificate updates disabled causing them to not have the latest root certificate. Our installer code was compiled with the latest root certificates.
  • Using Folder Redirection on all of Appdata Local can cause Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2016/2019/2022 issues.
  • Using Portability on all of Appdata Local can cause long logins for Windows 10.
  • When using Portability, Windows 10 that is pinned and Start Menu items do not migrate to Windows 11.
  • ProfileDisk from Windows 10 does not work correctly on Windows 11. Portability must be used to migrate to a new Windows 11 ProfileDisk.

Upgrading to 6.8.6

The procedures and requirements for upgrading ProfileUnity & FlexApp differ based on certain factors, such as your existing version and whether or not you have multiple ProfileUnity Console nodes configured in a cluster. For information and procedures for your specific upgrade scenario, refer to the ProfileUnity & FlexApp Upgrade Guide.

Feature Updates Affecting Product Behavior Post Upgrade

Before upgrading to the latest version, be aware of the following product changes if you are not already running 6.8.5.

  • Disabled features and retaining enabled features
    • On upgrade, each configuration will have Printer Refresh, Restart Spooler, Mapped Drive Refresh and Retain User File Associations checked. This gives you the same behavior as prior releases.
    • If you are leveraging the ability to disable the Print Spooler Restart feature, you will apply this option with the new Windows Options, as the old method is no longer honored.
      • After upgrading and before deploying the new 6.8.6 configuration, go into the Windows Options configuration module and uncheck Restart Spooler.

      Note: Any workarounds for Refresh.exe and Refresh Visual Style (PUPThemes) are no longer needed as they do not run by default any longer.

    • If you are leveraging retaining Volume Level, Number Lock State, Caps Lock State, Scroll Lock State, User Installed Fonts and/or System Installed Fonts you will have to do the following.
      • Enable the corresponding feature in the Windows Options module in your configuration. Then add the corresponding portability rule to your configuration before deploying your configuration.
  • Multiple INIs and Require Group Membership for Execution
    • On upgrade of the ProfileUnity Client to 6.8.6, 6.8.6 will honor older INIs and 6.8.6 INIs that restrict INI execution to group membership. However, once you uncheck the option in the Main configuration module for Require Group Membership for Execution, you can NOT use this option again. It is permanently disabled. It is suggested to transition using the Require Filter for Execution setting to build the filter you need to restrict INI execution and then apply it to the configuration.
  • Multiple INIs with User Defined Scripts
    • By default in prior versions, ALL User Defined Scripts would execute regardless of Require Group Membership for Execution or Require Filter for Execution settings in the Main module. In 6.8.5 and up, User Defined Scripts will only execute if the configuration applies to the user or the User Defined Scripts filter applies to the user. For most customers, no action is required. However, if scripts that were applied from unattended configurations were helping, these scripts would need to be duplicated from configuration to configuration.