Microsoft 365 Desktop Applications Coming to Follow Me Desktop

As part of our continued efforts to modernize our technology environment, Follow Me Desktop (FMD) — the virtual desktop you access through Citrix — will be upgraded to the new Microsoft 365 desktop applications on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

What’s Changing

Microsoft Office 2016 will be removed and replaced with the new M365 Apps with the latest version of Word. Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more, offering new features and a modern interface.  

In addition to Citrix, this same environment is available to home and remote users through our My Access portal by selecting one of the available Desktops. Most popular is the Cook Children’s Desktop.

The most noticeable update will be the modernized ribbon at the top of each application, offering a cleaner design and improved functionality.

Outlook 2016:

 

Outlook M365: (Default is Simplified Ribbon. To change to Classic click the down caret (red arrow) and select Classic Ribbon)

What You Need to Know

Date: Nov. 5, 2025

Where: All Follow Me Desktops (FMD) in Citrix

To do: Users will need to re-pin any apps such as Outlook and etc. from the Start Menu to their taskbar.

Microsoft Access: No longer supported and will not be included in the M365 applications. Users who rely on Access should have already been contacted with next steps.

Learn more: Visit the M365 site here M365 Applications for details, training materials, and updates.

Thank you for your continued support as we bring Cook Children’s closer to a modern, secure, and connected workplace.