France is trying to move on from Microsoft Windows. The country stated it plans to move some of its government computers currently running Windows to the open source operating system Linux to further reduce its reliance on U.S. tech.

Linux is an open source operating system that is free to download and adopt, with various customized distributions that are tailored and designed for specific utilize cases or operations. This also touches on aspects of startup.

In a statement, French minister David Amiel mentioned (translated) that the effort was to “regain control of our digital destiny” by relying less on U.S. tech companies. Amiel stated that the French government can no longer accept that it doesn’t have control over its data and digital infrastructure.

The French government did not provide a specific timeline for the switchover, or which distributions it was considering. The switchover will begin with computers at the French government’s digital agency, DINUM. When reached by TechCrunch, a spokesperson for Microsoft did not comment on the news.

This is the latest effort by France to reduce its dependence on U.S. tech giants and utilize innovation and cloud services originated within its borders, known as digital sovereignty, following growing instability and unpredictability on the part of the Trump administration. 

Lawmakers and government leaders across Europe are growing more aware of the looming threat facing them at home, and their over-reliance on U.S. innovation. 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 providers.

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has upped his attacks on globe leaders — straight-out capturing one and aiding in the killing of another. He has also weaponized sanctions against his critics, who include judges on the International Criminal Court, effectively cutting them off from transacting with U.S. companies. Those who have been sanctioned have reported having their bank accounts closed and access to U.S. tech services terminated, as well as being blocked from any other U.S. service.

France’s decision to ditch Windows comes months after the government published it would stop using Microsoft Teams for video conferencing in favor of French-made Visio, a tool based on the open source end-to-end encrypted video meeting tool Jitsi.

The French government stated it also plans to migrate its health data platform to a fresh trusted platform by the end of the year.

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