No option for Windows 10

Dell can't supply what Microsoft's licensing won't allow -- and Windows 10 isn't sold with new "consumer" systems (for which the XPS qualifies).  It is still available on business systems (Latitude, Precision).  If you want Windows 10, look there.

There's also no reason you can't run Windows 10 -- but it's on your own;  Dell won't support it on the XPS models.

As for internal optical drives, they're passing into history -- very few new systems have them.  The market wants thin and light, which is at odds with internal optical drives.  Just as you can no longer buy a system with an internal floppy/ZIP/etc drive -- soon, the same will apply to systems with internal optical drives.

@ejn63 

"Dell can't supply what Microsoft's licensing won't allow -- and Windows 10 isn't sold with new "consumer" systems (for which the XPS qualifies).  It is still available on business systems (Latitude, Precision).  If you want Windows 10, look there.

There's also no reason you can't run Windows 10 -- but it's on your own;  Dell won't support it on the XPS models.

As for internal optical drives, they're passing into history -- very few new systems have them.  The market wants thin and light, which is at odds with internal optical drives.  Just as you can no longer buy a system with an internal floppy/ZIP/etc drive -- soon, the same will apply to systems with internal optical drives."

So, it is More Microsoft decision than Dell? Dell needs to get with Microsoft and have a meeting. and Let Microsoft know to let the Customer to the choosing. I am sure I am not the only one.

I do not want Windows 11 for many reasons one being the Microsoft Account thing. I do not want to have to sign into a Microsoft Account. I do not want the same thing on my desktop as my laptop. Smart Phones are different I only have one and really do not want it. I am a Computer Guy and do not like using apps one reason big and fat fingers. But companies are forcing people to "use our app" I get it, It's convenient and faster like at restaurants but people with big and fat fingers it's hard. Signing into apps is also hard when some apps to not allow you to view the password. If I type wrong password too many times I am locked out. Anyway, that is why I like using a computer better.

Start learning Linux if you don't like the trajectory of Windows -- it will within the near future be your only option.  Alternatives include a Chrome-based OS -- or another form of UNIX (MacOS, perhaps?).

As for the rest, Microsoft is a significant stakeholder in Dell, in case you did not know that.

@ejn63 

Thanks for your reply. One day Linux may be for me but right now it is Windows. I guess my only option is to try to find a retail Dell XPS with Windows 10 Pro or build my own. 

I might just have to take the time and build my own system and not give Dell my money. I see a bunch of post on here about bad support and bad customer service and Orders being delayed orders being canceled ETC.

I feel sorry for those people I really do.

Building a computer used to be a good option -- but that was before supply-chain issues took hold.  Finding all the parts needed in timely fashion and at reasonable prices is very, very difficult at present, particularly where the high end of the market is concerned.  Just price out a single high-end AMD or nVidia GPU card -- if you can even find one for purchase -- and you'll see why, at least until the market stabilizes (which doesn't appear to be likely in 2022) building a system isn't that practical an option right now.

With high-end GPUs going for over $2K each, and even mid-range cards exceeding $1K a unit -- it's a seller's market right now.