20
January
2026
|
10:21 AM
America/Chicago

You can now self-install Microsoft Windows 11

Summary

Don’t want to wait for Microsoft Windows 11? Upgrade now. The install will occur in the background and won’t disrupt your work. Once the upgrade is complete, you’ll be prompted to reboot and will be given a 24-hour countdown. We recommend that you reboot as soon as possible.

As part of our continued efforts to modernize our technology environment, Cook Children’s is upgrading computers and laptops. You can self-install Microsoft Windows 11, a modernized operating system designed for better performance, usability, and security. It is designed to be simpler and more visually appealing.

What You’ll Notice

Microsoft Windows 11 has a new clean look with rounded corners and pastel colors. The Start Menu is in the center of the Taskbar and it shows pinned apps and recent files. The Taskbar also centers your open and pinned applications while using new visually appealing icons and animations.

When can you install Microsoft Windows 11

You can begin installing Microsoft Windows 11 now. The Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade will become mandatory in March based our normal Windows monthly update cycle.

What you need to know before Self-Installing Microsoft Windows 11

  1. For best performance: Start the Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade while connected to the Cook Children’s network with an ethernet cable (i.e. a desktop computer or docked laptop). While it is possible to install the software while connected to wi-fi, the download will be substantially slower. You can continue to work as normal during the download.
  2. Working from home? Ensure you're connected to the Cisco VPN before starting the installation.
  3. Installation process: The installation runs in the background and does not disrupt your work. You will see a prompt to reboot your computer or laptop once the upgrade has completed. It is the same 24-hour required reboot message you see each month after Windows updates. It is highly recommended that you reboot your computer or laptop as soon as possible. Delaying the reboot may lead to application or performance sluggishness. 

How to manually upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11

1.    Open the Software Center (search for “Software Center” in the Windows Start menu).

2.    Select Updates and select Microsoft Windows 11. It will take one to six hours to download and set up files. This is based on how you are connected to Cook Children’s network. The computer or laptop is still available for use during this period.

3.    Once download has completed, you will get a pop up prompt message in the lower right corner of your primary monitor to select Start to begin the installation process.

4.    Once the installation has completed, you will see a prompt to reboot your computer or laptop. It is the same 24-hour required reboot message you see each month after Windows updates. It is highly recommended that you reboot your computer or laptop as soon as possible. Delaying the reboot may lead to application or performance sluggishness.

5.    After selecting Restart (of if the 24-hour period ends) the computer or laptop will reboot and complete the Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade. This reboot will take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how many applications you have installed.

Visit the Employee Center for technical support and service requests on CookNet. Call the Service Desk for immediate assistance at 682-885-7999