China has reportedly ordered some state-linked organizations to remove a special version of Microsoft Windows 10 from government computers earlier than planned. The move is part of Beijing’s wider effort to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen control over sensitive data.
The affected software is Windows 10 China Government Edition, developed by C&M Information Technologies (CMIT), a joint venture between Microsoft and China’s state-owned China Electronics Technology Group. The system was designed for Chinese government use and included support for local encryption standards.
The operating system was originally scheduled to be retired in February 2027, but the latest instructions bring the phaseout forward to later in 2026. Officials have cited data security concerns, although no specific security weakness has been publicly identified. Microsoft has said it is not aware of any security incident involving the product.
Affected agencies are expected to move toward locally developed Linux-based systems, including Kylin OS and UOS. The change applies to selected state organizations, rather than all Chinese computer users.
