ALM Desktop Client FAQs

This section answers some of the questions frequently asked about ALM Desktop Client.

How does the Internet Explorer retirement impact ALM Desktop Client?

Following Microsoft’s announcement, the support for ALM Desktop Client on Internet Explorer was ended starting from June 15, 2022. Our recommended replacement is ALM Client Launcher — a Windows application that runs ALM Desktop Client without dependency on Internet Explorer. It supports full functionality of ALM Desktop Client and greatly reduces administration overhead.

To use ALM Client Launcher, you need ALM/Quality Center 12.60 or later. Since ALM/Quality Center 12.60 ended committed support on August 31, 2022, we recommend updating your ALM/Quality Center server to the latest version, which avoids the Internet Explorer dependency and gives you the latest updates and benefits from the full range of new features and functionalities.

Visit Explore your ALM options for information and resources on ALM/Quality Center upgrade.

What is ALM Client Launcher and what benefits does it bring?

ALM Client Launcher is a Microsoft Windows application to run ALM Desktop Client without dependency on IE browser and Active X technology.

It can be deployed via Windows Installer and greatly reduce administration overhead. The installer makes it easy for IT organizations to distribute ALM Client Launcher to all end-user environments. You can also install ALM Client Launcher from command line, enabling automatic deployment using scripts. Alternatively, your organization may let each individual user install it for himself without the need of administrator privilege.

ALM Client Launcher runs ALM Desktop Client in place of Internet Explorer, preserving all functionality including Lab Management and Site Administration. Therefore it is the recommended choice for minimizing the impact of Internet Explorer retirement on your business.

Where can I download ALM Client Launcher?

You can download it from AppDelivery Marketplace. Refer to the product compatibility information on the marketplace page to learn the supported versions of the ALM server.

If you are using ALM/Quality Center 15.5 or later, you can download ALM Client Launcher directly from your ALM server via the ALM qcbin page (for example https://alm.server.domain/qcbin/). Click the ALM Desktop Client link or the rocket icon next to it and it guides you where to download.

What will happen to the legacy options that run ALM Desktop Client?

ALM introduces a few different client options as listed in the table below. They are essentially different ways to run the same ALM Desktop Client. ALM continues to support these options if the technology they rely on is still supported by the vendor. However, we recommend using ALM Client Launcher which offers more convenience in terms of deployment and upgrade.

Client Option	Client Runs On	Installation Permission
ALM Desktop Client	Microsoft Edge (Internet Explorer mode) Microsoft Internet Explorer (end of support starting June 15, 2022)	Windows administrator
ALM Explorer	Microsoft Windows	Windows administrator
ALM Client for Microsoft App-V	Microsoft Windows	Windows user

How do I use ALM Desktop Client with Microsoft Edge?

Run ALM Desktop Client in Microsoft Edge Internet Explorer (IE) mode.

Refer to Microsoft Getting Started Guide on Microsoft Edge + Internet Explorer mode.

ALM also provides instructions about how to access ALM from the Edge Browser with IE mode. See Access ALM from Edge Internet Explorer mode.

How long will ALM Desktop Client for Microsoft Edge IE mode be supported?

According to Microsoft, Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge enables backward compatibility and will be supported through at least 2029. As long as IE mode in Edge is supported, ALM supports running ALM Desktop Client in this mode.

How do I deploy ALM Desktop Client with Microsoft Application Virtualization (MS App-V)?

Here is the general process:

Create a .msi installation file for ALM Desktop Client files using the ALM Client MSI Generator.
Package the .msi file and register it in the Microsoft App-V server.
On an App-V client, download the ALM App-V package and launch the client.

For more detailed instructions, see Creating ALM App-V Packages using App-V Sequencer.