France abandons Windows for Linux to reduce dependence on US technology

France is moving on from Microsoft Windows. The world he said plans to migrate its current Windows-based government computers to open-source Linux to reduce its reliance on US technology.

Linux is an open source operating system that is free to download and use, with a variety of customizable components designed for specific applications or scenarios.

In his speech, French Minister David Amiel said (interpreted) that the effort was to “regain our digital dominance” by relying more on US technology companies. Amiel said that the French government cannot accept that it cannot control its data and technology.

France did not give an exact time frame for the transition, or the phases it is considering. Microsoft has not commented on the matter.

This is the latest attempt by France to reduce its dependence on the US technology giants and use technology and cloud services that originated from its borders, known as digital sovereignty, following the instability and uncertainty of the Trump administration.

Lawmakers and government leaders across Europe are increasingly aware of the threat looming at home, and their reliance on US technology. In January, the European Parliament voted to adopt a report directing the European Commission to identify areas where the EU can reduce its reliance on foreign aid.

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has been attacking world leaders – head on to seize one is an assistant to kill someone. He has also imposed sanctions on his opponents, which include judges at the International Criminal Court, preventing them from doing business with US companies. Those who are allowed he said the closure of their bank accounts and the termination of US technical services, as well as the closure of any other US assets.

France’s decision to abandon Windows comes months after the government announced it will stop using Microsoft Teams for Visio-friendly video conferencing developed in France, a tool based on Jitsi’s end-to-end conferencing tool.

The French government says it is also planning to transfer its health platform to a new trusted platform by the end of the year.