France Moves to Replace Windows with Linux for Digital Independence

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:57:00 +0200

The French government is implementing a strategy to reduce its reliance on U.S. technology, beginning with a planned shift away from Microsoft Windows to the open-source operating system Linux. This initiative, spearheaded by French Minister David Amiel, aims to “regain control of our digital destiny” and secure greater control over government data and digital infrastructure. While a specific timeline hasn’s been disclosed, the transition will initially affect computers within the French government’s digital agency, DINUM. The move underscores a broader European concern regarding dependence on U.S. technology providers, particularly spurred by perceived instability and unpredictable actions from the Trump administration, including sanctions against global leaders and weaponization of economic measures. France has previously taken steps to reduce its dependency, such as replacing Microsoft Teams with the French-developed Visio video conferencing tool, built on the Jitsi platform. This l