Dell has advised that starting October 5th, which most likely means October 6 in Australia (but might not!), most PCs for sale on Dell.com will come with Windows 11 pre-installed.

You can see information about Microsoft's Windows 11 October 5 rollout announcement here.

Naturally, Dell states "business PC users may purchase Windows 10 Pro preinstall with Windows 11 Pro license included, allowing you to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro when ready."

Of course, Dell wants to cater to those who "can’t wait until October", informing us you can "buy now with confidence."

Dell tells us "Customers who buy an eligible Windows-based PC on Dell.com now, will be offered a free upgrade to Windows 11 when it’s available. This includes the Dell XPS 13, Alienware x15 and Alienware x17 laptops and more."

Dell also has advice "for current customers who already own a Windows-based Dell PC," with the company having "readied a few tools to help guide consumers and commercial clients through the free upgrade process."

Timeline of availability

Dell says: "On a rolling basis, Microsoft will be offering an upgrade to Windows 11 to all eligible Dell PCs running the equivalent Windows 10 version. Specific timing will vary by device."

Upgrade eligibility and how to update

• Consumers and IT professionals alike can check the Dell upgrade eligibility list to determine if their device can upgrade to the Windows 11 operating system
• Once the upgrade rollout has started, you can check if it is ready for your device by going to Settings/Windows Updates
• Consumers can choose whether to accept the upgrade or defer to a later date
• The upgrade itself is easy and Dell Migrate will help consumers and IT professionals safely transfer data from Windows 10 to Windows 11

So, obviously Dell will have brand new PCs pre-loaded with Windows 11 to come "in the coming months" as all PC makers will be offering.

The top-end wll presumably be equipped with forthcoming 12th-gen processors, and there will be all kinds of designs from the standard laptop and desktop through to the most advanced hybrids and more, so we'll undoubtedly be hearing from Dell and all the PC vendors when those devices become available.

Until then, may your Windows 10 PC be compatible, and if not, don't worry - Windows 10 will continue to be supported until 2025, and unless you have a specific enterprise or other business or personal need to stay on Windows 10, your next PC - if you buy a PC instead of a Mac, iPad, Chromebook or Linux-equipped computer - will have Windows 11 anyway.