China is escalating its efforts to minimise reliance on American technology by instructing state agencies to remove Windows 10 from their computers. Reports indicate that this directive is part of a broader strategy to transition towards domestically developed operating systems, specifically those based on Linux. The Chinese Ministry of State Security has communicated these orders to several state-linked organisations, citing data security as a primary motivation for the change.

It is essential to note that the version of Windows used by Chinese government entities differs significantly from the standard consumer editions. State agencies utilise a customised variant of Windows 10, produced by C&M Information Technologies, or CMIT. This joint venture, established in 2016 between Microsoft and the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group, was designed to ensure that Windows 10 met specific security standards mandated by Beijing.

A spokesperson for Microsoft stated that the company is not currently aware of any security incidents related to this product and confirmed that it continues to receive standard security updates. Despite the sudden directive to uninstall, Microsoft has declined to provide further commentary on the situation.

Timeline Change For Windows 10 Retirement

According to reports, the customised version of Windows 10 was scheduled for retirement in February 2027. However, the Chinese government has opted to accelerate this timeline. This version allowed government users to implement Chinese encryption algorithms instead of default Microsoft cryptography, which contributed to the government’s decision to move away from it earlier than planned.

The timing of this announcement coincides with diplomatic developments, notably a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The announcement has caught some state agency staff by surprise, reflecting a potentially significant shift in technology policy within China.

This transition to Linux-based systems aligns with a broader governmental initiative aimed at substituting foreign technology across crucial sectors such as national security and state-owned enterprises. Since 2019, Beijing has been actively seeking to replace foreign computers in government offices, and as of 2022, all central agencies and state-run firms were mandated to phase out foreign-branded devices.

Domestic Alternatives Gain Ground in China

The push to replace Windows is not unique to China; several domestic software companies are stepping in to fill the gap. Kylin Software has introduced its own Linux-based operating system, known as Kylin OS, while Tongxin Software Technology has developed Unity OS, which is based on Debian. This move represents a concerted effort to promote local technology solutions, especially in critical data handling scenarios.

Moreover, some sensitive state-affiliated entities have also implemented a ban on Apple’s iPhones, further demonstrating the trend towards domestic technology use. In the realm of artificial intelligence hardware, companies like Huawei Technologies Co. and Cambricon Technologies Corp. have gained prominence, particularly in light of restricted access to advanced GPU technologies from Nvidia Corp.

Internationally, the trend of moving away from Windows is also observable. France announced in April 2026 its intention to transition all government ministries to Linux, with other European nations such as Germany, Denmark, and Austria following suit. Despite this shift in governmental usage, Windows continues to dominate the consumer market in China, accounting for 87.64 per cent of desktop web traffic as of July 2026, according to StatCounter data.

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