Windows 11 preview has been out since the beginning of July and it has had several updates (mostly smaller ones with quality improvements) since then. The preview builds have various issues, but these known issues don’t appear to be affecting the stability of the operating system.
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 is in the last phase of testing and it will begin rolling out to consumers and businesses on October 5. Dell has confirmed that most PCs sold on their e-commerce website will be able to run the new operating system when it launches later this year.
“Customers who buy an eligible Windows-based PC on Dell.com will now be offered a free upgrade to Windows 11 when it’s available. This includes the Dell XPS 13, Alienware x15, Alienware x17 gaming laptops, and more,” Dell said in a press release published earlier today.
Dell is also working on tools to help users (consumers and commercial clients) get Windows 11 through the free upgrade process. Business customers can also purchase PCs with “Windows 10 Pro pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro license included”. This will allow businesses to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro when it is ready.
In a separate support document, Dell has shared a long list of devices officially eligible for free Windows 11 upgrade. The list of supported Dell PCs include:
- Alienware Desktop
- Alienware Laptop
- G-Series Desktop
- G-Series Laptop
- Inspiron Desktop
- Inspiron Laptop
- XPS Desktop
- XPS Laptop
- Vostro Desktop
- Vostro Laptop
- Latitude
- OptiPlex
- Precision Workstation
- Mobile Precision
Dell’s Windows 11 guidelines are pretty straightforward. You’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your device is listed on the company’s e-commerce website or the support document.
As of August 31, Dell has over 100 devices listed on its support page.
Minimum requirements
Dell has also warned that Windows 11 won’t be offered on devices that do not meet the minimum hardware requirements.
As you’re probably aware, Windows 11 hardware requirements include 8th gen Intel CPUs, Ryzen 2000 or newer with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support. If you’re unsure about your device’s eligibility, download and run Windows 11 compatibility check tool called “PC Health Check”.
Although you can install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, remember that the release isn’t optimised for older processors and Microsoft says unsupported hardware will be vulnerable to Blue Screen of Death errors.
Microsoft suggests getting new hardware and they have also shared a list of premium devices eligible for Windows 11:
- Acer Swift 5 (SF514-55) and Acer Swift X (SFX14-413).
- Asus Zenbook Flip 13 OLED UX363 and Flip OLED UX363.
- Dell Alienware X-Series laptops.
- Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro Series and 2-in-1 Lenovo Yoga 7.
- HP ENVY x360 14 and 15.
- Dell’s flagship XPS 13.
- Samsung Galaxy Book Pro and Book Pro 360.
