Beijing: China has decided to remove Microsoft Windows from government computers in an effort to reduce reliance on U.S. technology and further strengthen data security.
According to reports, China’s Ministry of State Security has instructed some government departments to remove Windows software from their computers and instead use Linux-based operating systems developed by local companies.
The main reason behind this move is said to be concerns related to data security, although no specific security flaw has been identified.
Several Chinese companies, including Kylin Software and Tongxin Software Technology, are developing Windows alternatives. Kylin OS is based on Linux, while Tongxin’s Unity OS is also built on the Debian Linux system.
A Microsoft spokesperson said the company is not aware of any security incident related to this specific product and that it continues to receive regular security updates.
According to reports, efforts to remove foreign technology from sensitive government sectors in China have been ongoing for several years. The government has already been encouraging the use of locally developed computers and operating systems.
However, Windows remains the most widely used desktop operating system among general users in China. As of July 2026 data, approximately 87.64% of desktop web traffic in China was linked to Windows.
China’s latest decision is being seen as part of Beijing’s policy to reduce dependence on U.S. technology in sensitive sectors and promote domestic technological development
