The Chinese government has decided to transition to domestic Linux operating systems instead of upgrading from Windows 10 China Government Edition to Windows 11. This move is aimed at strengthening control over the digital space and enhancing citizen privacy.
This decision is part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to reduce dependence on foreign goods and services, including software, hardware, and media content, allowing it to distance itself from American companies across all sectors.
The transition was initially scheduled for February 2027, but it will now occur earlier, at the end of 2026. China aims to establish digital sovereignty, viewing Windows 11 as an unreliable and insecure system.
Microsoft, seeking to maintain its market share, has already developed a version called Windows 11 China Home Edition. This version is adapted to the requirements of the Chinese government and represents a limited, factory-locked version of Windows 11 available only in Chinese.
Although migrating the entire national system presents a complex task, especially for a large country like China, the nation is taking steps to implement this transition in phases to ensure a smoother and more effective execution.