France plans to replace Windows with Linux to cut dependence on US technology

France is taking steps to reduce its reliance on American technology by planning to transition some government systems from Microsoft Windows to Linux.

Linux, an open-source operating system available free of charge, offers multiple customised distributions designed for different operational needs and environments.

In a statement, French minister David Amiel said the initiative aims to “regain control of our digital destiny” by limiting dependence on U.S.-based technology providers. He emphasised that the government can no longer accept a situation in which it lacks control over its own data and digital infrastructure.

Officials have not yet outlined a clear timeline for the migration or specified which Linux distributions will be used. The transition is expected to begin with systems operated by the government’s digital agency, DINUM.

This move represents the latest effort by France to strengthen what is often referred to as digital sovereignty — the ability to rely on domestic or regionally controlled technologies instead of foreign providers. The push comes amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about dependence on U.S. tech firms.

Across Europe, policymakers are increasingly evaluating risks tied to reliance on external technology providers. In January, the European Parliament adopted a report instructing the European Commission to identify areas where the European Union can reduce dependence on non-European technology services.

Since returning to office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified tensions with global leaders, including the use of sanctions targeting critics. Some of those sanctioned have reported losing access to banking services and U.S.-based digital platforms, raising broader concerns about technological and financial dependencies.

France’s move away from Windows follows a similar decision made earlier, when the government announced it would discontinue use of Microsoft Teams for video conferencing and instead adopt a domestically developed solution called Visio. The tool is built on Jitsi, an open-source platform that offers end-to-end encrypted video communication.

In addition to software changes, the French government has also stated plans to migrate its national health data platform to a new trusted infrastructure by the end of the year, further reinforcing its strategy to retain control over critical digital systems.