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November 30th, 2025 19:09
Suggestion / Feature Request
Can Dell release updated drivers for XPS 9659 to allow official Windows 11 compatibility?
I purchased a Dell XPS system only five years ago, and it continues to run well. However, Microsoft has blocked it from upgrading to Windows 11 due to compatibility restrictions.
Because of this, and combined with ongoing Microsoft 365 subscription costs, I ultimately switched to a MacBook. I believe Dell should strongly advocate for its customers by providing updated drivers or a workaround that allows capable Dell systems to run Windows 11 officially.
Customers expect:
- Better long-term support for premium devices
- Driver updates or BIOS options to support major OS upgrades
- A sustainable approach that avoids discarding working hardware
I was a loyal Dell and Windows user, but this experience forced me to leave both platforms. I hope Dell will consider providing extended support and ensuring future devices do not face the same issue.
Thank you.
ejn63
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30.1K Posts
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November 30th, 2025 20:10
You've posted in the XPS desktop forum, with what presumably is an XPS 9560 notebook computer.
If so, it uses a seventh-generation CPU that Windows 11 does not support. The support decision was Microsoft's, not Dell's.
And interestingly enough, this system was released in 2016, so it's had a 9-year run with OS support.
In contrast, Apple drops support for platforms at the seven year mark, so the platform you "abandoned" had a longer support span than the Macbook you used as its replacement.
ejn63
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30.1K Posts
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December 2nd, 2025 18:10
The issue isn't with Dell -- no matter what Dell decided to do, the fact is that Microsoft requires an 8th generation CPU for Windows 11 support. The system you're asking about is a seventh-generation model, which doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements.
The situation is the same with Apple MacOS -- the current release of it (Tahoe) is the last one that will support Intel-based Macs. Since the newest of those dates from 2023, it means that it's the end of the road for them as far as OS updates as little as two years after purchase.
The march of software support is the same for Mac as it is for Windows.