Thin Client Definition

What is a Thin Client? Thin Clients will often cut the fat right out of unwanted spending, overuse of power consumption and space, noisy environments, unsafe lack of security, and more. A traditional Fat Client is a typical PC/tower. If you’re operating a business or school or government office… or, anywhere several end users are gathered, Fat Clients can have a big and undesirable effect on your IT front. They are loud, guzzle energy, take up room, and if anything goes wrong, your IT staff must come directly to the PC endpoint in order to get anything done – from upgrades to viruses, and everything in-between. A Thin Client is a lightweight, small piece of hardware designed for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. Everything is stored on your server/data center and not on individual PCs.. A Thin Client is a low-cost, locked-down device that saves energy, IT resources, and includes utility software for centralized and easy management and deployment. It is a small form factor, solid-state hardware, and if you’re working with the right vendor, should come with a superior advanced warranty program. IT Professionals can manage and troubleshoot endpoints and assist their end users in just one, sometimes offsite, central location.

Thin Client VDI Environment

What is a Thin Client and VDI environment like? Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is all about moving desktop management from a local environment to a virtualized one. VDI is the practice of hosting workstation operating systems and applications on a server. End users can access virtualized operating systems and applications from any device including Thin (and Zero) Clients for VDI, as long as the device can connect to the host server. Because the operating systems and applications are virtualized, they can be accessed by devices running on different operating systems. Thin Clients are easier to deploy, manage, and maintain than Fat PCs. Centralized management software allows administrators to save time and money by maintaining all devices from a server; meaning upgrades, application deployments, and virus control can be centrally managed, rather than being handled individually at endpoint workstations. By design, Thin Client solutions don’t really have any moving parts, and therefore also provide a much longer life expectancy than a Fat Client/PC. When it comes to security, Thin Clients prevent end users from loading applications onto their own devices, which significantly reduces the risk of viruses. If you have considered or are headed in a VDI direction with your IT front, why continue to struggle with brash, energy-hungry, overpowered Fat PCs that run a local Windows, full-blown OS requiring regular patching, anti-virus, and imaging, etc? This just no longer make sense in today’s modern or remote IT environments.

Thin Client Device Support & Options

As a Thin Client endpoint user, you will have some degree of an internal operating system such as Linux or Windows (WES7/WE8S/W10loT). You will have no hard drive, but will have some local storage for customization of end user applications. You will be able to run and change multiple connection supported or certified brokers like VMware, Microsoft RDSH, Citrix, or Parallels. Hopefully, Thin Clients should come with a no-cost centralized management utility and Cloud capability option that is quick to install, get up and running, and can manage one or several central configurations with ease. Software and hardware support for graphic demand and multimedia acceleration for your set-up can provide anything from basic to high-level, including support of Full HD Audio/Video Flash, HTML5. Thin Clients are designed to work for specific Operating Systems (OS) and fully customized to work with related VDI platforms. Their cutting-edge technology can offer an end user very low level to very high level applications and graphics support. They come with a variation of connectivity ports and expansion slots as well as mounting options. Sometimes, their networking power can be Power over Ethernet (PoE)… and, if you’ve got a good vendor, not only does a centralized management software utility come with a client hardware purchase, it will be a no cost.

Thin Clients With 10ZiG

• Operating Systems: Linux, WES7, WE8S, Windows 10IoT, Windows 11
• Platform(s) Support: VMWare Horizon; PCoIP, Blast Extreme (H.264/H.265), RDP – Citrix; HDX Ready, HDX Premium, HDX 3D Pro – Microsoft VDI/RDSH – RDP – Parallels; Remote Application Service (RAS)
• Applications/Graphics Support: Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer), iSeries/5250 Emulation, VNC (Shadowing), GStreamer, Window Play Media, Adobe Reader, PDF Viewer, Power Term, Office Viewers, Flash Support, and more
• Display & Monitors: Single, Dual, Triple, and Quad Screen Support, DVI-Ds, DVI-Is, VGAs (with Converters), DisplayPorts
• Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, Internal Smart Card (CAC), Expansion Slot PCI, Parallel Port, Serial Port, USB 3.0 Ports, USB 2.0 Ports
• Networking: 10/100/1000 Base-T Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual band, Power over Ethernet (PoE), Fiber
• Mountings: Vertical Stand, VESA Mounting Bracket
• Centralized Management Utility: FREE Software with Device Purchase
• Free Demo: FREE, 30 Days, No Obligation, Hassle-Free
• Warranty: No-Cost, Advance Replacement
• Cost: Competitively Priced
• Tech Support: Available, Local, No-Charge, Friendly
• HD Video/Audio, Flash/HTML5, video conferencing, 3D, CAD & 4K resolutions… supporting Dual, Triple, and even Quad Screen.

Thin Client 10ZiG Hardware

The 10ZiG Zero Client lineup below provides a solution for all user types, from task workers up through the most demanding power users.

• 10ZiG 4600q Series Thin Client

• 10ZiG 7000q Series Thin Client

• 10ZiG 7300q Series Thin Client

• 10ZiG 7100q Series Thin Client

• 10ZiG 7500q Series Thin Client

• 10ZiG 7900q Series Thin Client

Thin Clients: About 10ZiG

10ZiG Technology is a world-market leader in Thin Client & Zero Client endpoint devices for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and VDI security. 10ZiG provides leading Intel and AMD based Dual and Quad Core Thin Clients & Zero Clients for VMware Blast Extreme, Citrix HDX, Teradici PCoIP, Microsoft environments, and more. 10ZiG offers free, no-obligation demo devices, Technical Support teams based in the U.S. and U.K., and as mentioned, provides “The 10ZiG Manager,” our exclusive Centralized Management Software console with cloud capabilities, completely at no charge with unlimited user licenses supported. Get your free evaluation device today.

First published on December 17, 2025 on thinprint.com. The partnership between 10ZiG and ThinPrint delivers a modern, cloud-ready printing experience designed for virtual desktops

• ThinPrint enables secure, proximity-based printing and centralized print management for VDI and DaaS, ensuring users only see and access the printers they are authorized to use. 
• 10ZiG provides secure, purpose-built endpoints that integrate seamlessly with cloud desktops, ensuring consistent performance and a locked-down endpoint experience.

ThinPrint Engine Integrated with 10ZiG Thin Clients

Printing in virtual desktop environments has long been one of the most persistent challenges for IT teams. While end users expect printing to ‘just work,’ the reality in many VDI and terminal server environments is far more complex. Driver conflicts, unreliable printer mapping, and excessive administrative overhead often turn printing into a support burden.

With the ThinPrint Engine client now fully integrated into the 10ZiG RepurpOS™ and PeakOS™ operating systems, printing is significantly simplified. On 10ZiG Thin Clients, printing is ready to work out of the box – no additional configuration, no extra software, and no ongoing administrative effort.

The ThinPrint & 10ZiG Challenge: Printing in Thin Client and Terminal Server Environments 

Organizations running Citrix, Omnissa Horizon, or Microsoft RDS on-premises consistently face printing challenges such as:

• Driver management complexity: Maintaining printer drivers on servers increases risk and support costs.
• Manual thin client configuration: Traditional Linux-based printing often requires CUPS configuration, queue management, and troubleshooting.
• Unreliable printer mapping: Locally attached printers fail to appear or disconnect during sessions.
• High support overhead: IT teams spend valuable time resolving printing issues instead of focusing on strategic initiatives.

The Solution: ThinPrint Engine Client Integrated into 10ZiG

With the ThinPrint Engine client natively integrated into 10ZiG RepurpOS and PeakOS, printing on 10ZiG Thin Clients is dramatically simplified.

Local USB printers are immediately available and ready to print – without the need for:

• Printer driver management
• CUPS installation or configuration
• Manual queue setup
• Additional client-side software installations

There are no administrative tasks required on the thin client to enable printing. Once connected, printers simply work. This ‘zero-touch’ printing approach eliminates complexity and delivers a true plug-and-play experience for both users and IT teams.

Key Features of the ThinPrint Engine on 10ZiG 

The ThinPrint Engine integration is purpose-built and optimized for on-premises terminal server deployments and environments, including:

• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
• Omnissa Horizon (on-premises)
• Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

By aligning directly with these platforms, ThinPrint delivers secure, driverless printing that works seamlessly within shared and published desktop sessions – without relying on traditional print servers.

The ThinPrint Engine delivers enterprise-grade printing capabilities directly through the 10ZiG operating system:

• Driverless printing architecture: No printer drivers required on the server or thin client.

• Out-of-the-box local printer support: Locally attached USB printers are automatically available – no configuration required.

• Automatic printer mapping (ThinPrint AutoConnect): Network and local printers are mapped dynamically at session start.

• Eliminate expensive print servers: ThinPrint Client embedded in 10ZiG OS eliminates the need for print servers, reducing admin overhead, costs, and carbon footprint.

• Optimized print data compression: Reduced bandwidth usage and faster print job delivery.

• Universal printer compatibility: Supports a wide range of printer models without vendor-specific drivers.

• Secure, digitally signed components: Trusted deployment using GlobalSign R45 certificates.

ThinPrint & 10ZiG Concrete Benefits for Your Organization 

For End Users

• Instant printing: Plug in a printer and print immediately – no setup or delays.
• Reliable print jobs: No dropped printers or interrupted print sessions.
• Consistent experience: The same behavior across Citrix, Horizon, and RDS sessions.

What’s up, everyone!

In the upcoming mini-series I’d like to take you back to a presentation I delivered with Niklas Tinner at the Workplace Ninja Summit. In this session we compared Windows 365 Link with a Windows 365 Boot device. We finished up with an interactive session with the attendees and one of questions we prepared was: Which solution would you use?

One attendee replied: a thin client!

Windows 365 Link and Boot are great Microsoft options, but you can use a lot of other devices if you want to. So let’s do another comparison between Windows 365 Link, Windows 365 Boot and 10ZiG zero clients.

Mini-series overview

1. Using 10ZiG Manager to manage zero and thin clients

I want to thank my friends at 10ZiG for sending me a thin and zero client to work with on this post!

10ZiG Manager Prerequisites

The following are prerequisites if you want to follow along:

• 10ZiG Manager is a free to use solution to manage 10ZiG devices. I will use the upcoming v6 and run it in a Hyper-V VM. Would you like to try the new v6 as well? Reach out to 10ZiG and they can get you access to an OVA file which you can convert to VHDX if you prefer Hyper-V.
• A 10ZiG zero client running the NOS operating system.
• A 10ZiG thin client running the PeakOS operating system.

I will use a 10ZiG 7048qm zero client for this demo and I will update it to the latest firmware so I can show the updated GUI!

10ZiG Manager: one console to rule them all!

Thin and zero clients can be managed locally which is fine for local support actions. 10ZiG helps you out with the 10ZiG Manager which is a free tool that you can download on their website.

At the time of writing you can download version 5.4.2.0 as an executable that you can install on Windows Server operating systems. Please note that you cannot and should not install apps like this on Domain Controllers.

Once installed you can use your favorite browser to connect to the web app and you will set up your first account. This account will be part of the Administrator role and will have full control. You have the option to add additional custom roles or use the other built-in roles to implement RBAC into the environment.

As mentioned in the introduction text, 10ZiG has been kind enough to give me access to the upcoming version 6 of 10ZiG Manager. So here is a special sneak peek on the new v6 GUI of 10ZiG Manager:

The top bar allows you to switch between management options:

• Management gives an overview of all the available devices in the network and all of the configuration options.
• Recovery is used to send power on / power off commands to your devices and you can enable or disable PXE.
• User management allows you to manage exiting and create custom roles and add or remove new users. Do you want to integrate with Entra ID? 10ZiG has got your back. Just click the Configure Entra ID button in the ribbon.
• Licensing gives an overview of your licenses if you have any.
• Let’s continue with updating the 7048qm zero client to the newest firmware that contains the new Windows app gui using 10ZiG Manager.

Updating to the latest 10ZiG firmware

The 7048qm zero client runs NOS as the operating system. It’s more a firmware-based solution then a full operating system.

There are a couple of ways to update the device:

• From the 10ZiG Manager, select the device and update the device individually.
• From the 10ZiG Manager, create a scheduled task and update the firmware for multiple devices in bulk.
• From the 10ZiG Manager, create a group with auto-population filters. Set and apply the firmware to the group configuration to automatically update the firmware of members devices.
• Update the device from a local USB stick. Just copy the .tar file to the USB stick, on the local device, go to settings, allow local update from USB stick. Plug your USB stick in and watch the magic happen.

In this demo I will update the device using the 10ZiG Manager.

The new firmware has a new and improved user interface. So, let’s take a quick look at what the ‘old’ firmware and user experience look like:

Updating a single device

Let’s find out how to update a single device at a time. From the 10ZiG Manager console, select the device you want to update and select Firmware Upgrade… in the context menu.

This will bring up the firmware packages window. If you just installed 10ZiG Manager, you will not see any firmware available. Instead you need to download the firmware from the 10ZiG website and click the install button.

Click the Choose File button and navigate to the folder where the firmware is saved. Upload that firmware and wait until the upload completes.

You will see the firmware in the overview once the upload completes. Now select that firmware and notice that the OK button in the lower right corner becomes available. Click OK.

The task pane will keep you informed of the status of the upgrade. In my case it took a bit of time before the upgrade was completed successfully:

Updating devices using a scheduled task

Alternatively, you can create a scheduled task to upgrade multiple devices in bulk. Select the desired devices, from the contextmenu select Scheduled Tasks, Add…

Give the scheduled task a name and select the desired action:

Then it’s time to select the firmware and click the OK button in the lower right corner.

The next step has some specific options related to the deploy a firmware template:

Select the time and date you want the scheduled task to run:

Now it’s time to admire your awesome work and click the Finish button.

The job is now created and will run at the specified date and time. You can monitor the status of the task and even change the settings if you click on the Tasks tile in the ribbon.

Automatically update devices using a dynamic group

You can make your life even more easy by creating a group in the 10ZiG Manager and apply client configuration settings to automatically update the firmware for new devices. Rightclick in the group window and select + New group.

There are a couple of things to look for in the upcoming screenshot.

• Give the new group a name and description
• Notice there are two tabs:
  • Auto-population filters are used to group devices based on properties, like the model. Just check the box and enter the model.
  • Client configuration gives the option to send client configuration to the devices, auto-name clients and automatically update the firmware.

Let’s start with the auto-population filters. I used the model and added the model name (7048qm).

Next up is the client configuration. Select the auto-update firmware option, select the desired firmware for the devices and optionally select the user experience:

• Allow the user to postpone the update
• Run if the device is idle
• Perform the update automatically at next reboot
• Reset the client to factory defaults
• Download the firmware from a peer

Admire your awesome work and click the OK button to create the group. The new group will appear in the Groups window but chances are that no devices are listed in the group yet. If so, rightclick the newly created group and select + Repopulate…

You should now see the devices in the group and they will update their firmware automatically according to the settings you selected earlier:

If you can’t see the devices after the Repopulate action, then I would advise to doublecheck the group settings (rightclick and select edit).

We have successfully upgraded the firmware of our zero client. Let’s see the new GUI in action!

The new and improved 10ZiG user experience

Microsoft raised the bar as far as user experience goes with the Windows app. It allows you to connect to your cloud-based desktops in Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop and you can connect to your corporate apps using Cloud Apps and RemoteApp. All of that including self-service options and device options like restart and point-in-time restore.

The ‘old’ GUI works but simply does not come close to the user experience of the Windows app.

Let’s find out what the new GUI looks like after updating to the new firmware:

We can see that the wallpaper is updated but so far not a lot of difference… or is there?

Actually, there is but we still need to turn that experience on. Find the gear icon in the bar below which will open up the Control Panel.

Click on Microsoft Remote Desktop. We can now define the connection settings and user experience.

• First go to AVD/W365 and select Windows App (preview) as the AVD Client UI.
• If you are testing with Windows 365 Cloud PCs I would recommend to disable Autocon if single. This way the client signs into the workspace and retrieves all assigned desktops. Since you are running Cloud PCs, you will now have access to self-service options!

Speaking about the new Windows App experience, this is looking very familiar already!

We now have access to our favorites, devices and apps. And my Cloud PC is of course under devices.

Clicking the three dots will give you access to most of the self service options that Windows 365 has to offer. You now have the ability to restart your Cloud PC or use point-in-time restore to restore your Cloud PC to an earlier time!

The Apps section will show you all the apps that are assigned to you.

That got me curious! I have been testing with Cloud Apps. Does this new experience also support Cloud Apps? Let’s find out!

Even Cloud Apps are picked up and showed in the new UI. Just the name doesn’t show correctly at this point. That is something 10ZiG is actively working on!

I’ve started PowerPoint and that works like a charm. The connection bar however still shows the incorrect name.

What about working with External Identities?

Signing in is just the same as signing in with the Windows app. You do get all the same bells and whistles which means you can also use this updated zero client for scenarios where companies use External Identities (more info on this blog). The Sign in to an organization option is also available from the zero client..

10ZiG Resources

I used the following resources for this post:

Zero Client – 10ZiG 7048q Endpoint with Free Central Management

10ZiG Manager: Central Management Software for Endpoints

10ZiG Zero Client: Endpoint Hardware for VDI and DaaS

Preparing for Omnissa Horizon’s PCoIP Retirement and Transitioning to Blast Extreme or PCoIP Ultra with 10ZiG.

As Omnissa Horizon approaches end-of-life for the legacy PCoIP protocol, Horizon customers face a pivotal moment in defining their future remoting strategy. With Horizon now supporting the next-generation PCoIP Ultra, and Blast Extreme continuing to evolve as a core Omnissa protocol, organizations have two powerful options to ensure high-performance, secure, and future-proof virtual desktop experiences.

Don’t get caught unprepared—join 10ZiG to future-proof your Horizon deployment strategy with Blast Extreme and PCoIP Ultra

Don’t get trapped by 8GB minimum storage or other requirements and potential expenses for software updates – break free with 10ZiG! 

Chances are that you’re not the only one these days facing an OS software upgrade without meeting related vendor requirements. And you may also be considering that the year is ending fast – nearly at a close! You may not be on a subscription model for a required upgrade and may need to purchase one. Or maybe you’re just on a different licensing model and you may need to pay to migrate or upgrade the subscription. Perhaps your devices do not meet required hardware or firmware prerequisites. You may also have to face the fact that existing numerous profiles and settings from your current OS may not be directly reusable. In addition to all of this, you may have to factor in that some upgrade features may indeed differ, and custom partitions or unsupported hardware could actually block the upgrade.

Repurpose 4GB Hardware with 10ZiG RepurpOS™ while planning a POC for future hardware – 8GB and up!

Thin Client Endpoints for California in Today’s Modern World 

Are thin client endpoints still helping today’s modern organizations and entities in California?  The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that thin, and zero clients, have never stopped helping and supporting the VDI/DaaS compute environments of California’s organizations, companies, entities, etc.  In fact, some might even say they were a bit ahead of their time! Thin, and zero clients, that is…

Thin Client Endpoint Advantages for California, United States 

Stratodesk NoTouch OS users facing product EOL and/or others that are simply dealing with outrageous subscription renewal quotes due to recent market acquisitions are turning to 10ZiG for affordable renewal subscriptions. We can get those unattainable costs down with easy migration, helping to keep things going smoothly and business as usual!

10ZiG Single-Vendor Hardware & Software Solutions for Stratodesk Survivors

10ZiG will be heading out to Amsterdam to get “booth–ready” for the 2025 EMEA edition of Omnissa ONE! Join us for LIVE demos, great conversation, product giveaways, and PRIZE raffles! Ask us about our single-vendor, Omnissa Ready endpoint strategy that covers NEW 10ZiG hardware and Repurposing Existing Windows Assets to provide a secure, high-performance, standardized endpoint UX across your estate. Also, did we mention 100% FREE Central Management?  

WIN in Amsterdam, or WIN a second LEGO Technic Mercedes G 500 if You Aren’t Going to be There

Just Click HERE to Enter! 

Explore the 10ZiG & Omnissa Partnership HERE

Of course, we’re ‘Better Together!’ 

10ZiG Solutions Being Showcased at Omnissa ONE Amsterdam

Modernized Thin & Zero Clients 

A wide range of Omnissa Ready hardware providing flexible, secure, and high-end experience with Omnissa Horizon, Workspace, and App Volumes. With a choice of Linux or Windows 11 IoT and different OS modality options to suit the UX you want to deliver, hardware form factors include traditional standalone, mobile (laptops), and all-in-ones. There is a wide range of display and connectivity options too, such as Wireless, Fiber, Smart Card Readers and much more. 10ZiG’s long lifespan endpoints are TAA Compliant and come with the 100% FREE, feature-rich 10ZiG Manager server with an unlimited user license.  

FREE demos available >  Free Demo for Thin & Zero Clients | 10ZiG 

10ZiG RepurpOS™ – Secure Linux OS 

10ZiG offers organizations the chance to implement a truly sustainable endpoint strategy. Not only does 10ZiG provide hardware, but the flexibility of the 10ZiG offering means that you can leverage the benefits of 10ZiG RepurpOS™. RepurpOS™ is a secure Linux OS that turns existing third-party PCs, laptops, and thin clients into dedicated, secure, Omnissa Ready endpoints. Running in perfect harmony alongside 10ZiG hardware, you can deliver the same, secure, standardized OS UX across native 10ZiG hardware and existing Windows assets. With secure Linux OS migration incentives and ongoing low and simple licensing costs, 10ZiG can help you to navigate the issue of non-TPM devices when considering the move from Windows 10 to 11.  

FREE Download Available > 10ZiG RepurpOS Software: Endpoint Repurpose Linux OS 

10ZiG Manager 

The 10ZiG Manager™ is 100% FREE with all 10ZiG hardware and software based endpoints and is available as either a Windows-based centralized management tool that can be hosted anywhere, or as a Linux virtual appliance for on-premises virtualized instances. You can securely manage 10ZiG endpoints anywhere from on-location with a feature-rich array of tools and support to make managing your 10ZiG endpoints intuitive and seamless. These include Automatic Configuration & Firmware Versioning, Role Based Access, Active Directory & Entra Supportive, Multi-tenancy capability, Secure Shadowing, Power Management & Scheduled Tasks, Distributed Firmware Versioning (DFV), and Reporting. 

See 10ZiG Manager Here > 10ZiG Manager: Central Management Software for Endpoints 

Trusted Zero Clients 

Putting the ‘Trust” in Zero Client Hardware and connections to HP Anyware with PCoIP & Omnissa Horizon with Blast Extreme. Clients are designed for zero trust architectures, offering the very best in remoting security and performance, including secure boot, direct to Trusted Zero Client (no OS or BIOS access for users). With dual and quad screen options, you can deliver a color-accurate, lossless, and distortion-free experience all while adhering to zero trust principles as recommended by NIST and other similar organizations. TPM2.0, TAA Compliant, and FIPS 140-3 certified. 

More Details and FREE demos available > Trusted Zero Clients 

Future Proof Your Workspace Navigating Windows 10 End of Life with 10ZiG & Omnissa

Don’t let Windows EOL catch you off guard! With Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) fast approaching in October 2025, organizations face a critical need to modernize their desktop environments. This webinar explores how to seamlessly and cost-effectively migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11 with an integrated and hassle-free combined solution.  

Omnissa expert Jeff Ulatoski, Director, Product Management together with 10ZiG expert, Kevin Greenway, Chief Technology Officer, cover strategies to:  

• Prepare your infrastructure for Windows 11 deployment 

• Streamline application delivery with App Volumes for faster rollouts & reduced management overhead 

• Leverage Omnissa Ready 10ZiG endpoint solutions, including a flexible, secure, managed Linux OS for both existing Windows 10 assets and native 10ZiG Thin & Zero Clients 

• Mitigate risks and maintain compliance in a post-Windows 10 world 

Omnissa Ready Secure Linux OS HERE 

Omnissa Ready Hardware Solutions HERE