China joins Europe in scrapping Windows for Linux
The specialized Chinese version of Windows was already scheduled for retirement in February 2027, but now its end-of-life date has been moved up.
China is transitioning away from Windows to Linux, as reported by Bloomberg. The Chinese government has ordered some government agencies to replace Windows 10 with domestic Linux distributions, citing concerns over digital sovereignty and data security. Two main Linux options are being considered: Kylin OS and UOS. Kylin Software and Tongxin Software Technology, which develop these operating systems, have seen an increase in stock prices.
The transition will involve more than just swapping interfaces, as applications, peripherals, drivers, identity systems, document formats, and critical software may need to be adapted or replaced. While Windows Home China 11 remains available, the shift towards Linux is evident in China's future government desktop landscape.
Written by urgent.news from ZDNet's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
