Windows remains the leading operating system for desktops. While Linux is less common in desktop environments, several significant users are beginning to adopt it. Various governments are turning to Linux to maintain independence and reduce reliance on Western software. Below are examples of governments investing in Linux-based digital infrastructures.
France Moves Away from Microsoft
Striving for “Digital Sovereignty”
France, renowned for its cultural landmarks and technological contributions, is also a pioneer in the adoption of Linux within government operations. The Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs (DINUM) revealed plans in April 2026 to transition its workstations from Windows to Linux and is encouraging other ministries to do the same.
This initiative is part of a broader European movement toward achieving “digital sovereignty,” as many countries aim to reduce their dependence on foreign IT, particularly from the U.S. French-developed alternatives like Visio are replacing tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
The French national police, or Gendarmerie, has been utilizing Linux and open-source software since 2004, moving progressively from Microsoft Office to OpenOffice, then to LibreOffice, and ultimately adopting a custom Ubuntu version known as GendBuntu. Approximately 97% of the agency’s computers now operate on this system, marking one of the largest Linux deployments in Europe.
Germany’s Open-Source Revolution
Overcoming Historical Challenges with Open-Source Software
Germany has also been a key player in promoting Linux adoption across Europe. The country’s stringent privacy laws stem from its historical experiences under authoritarian rule, further motivating this shift. With major Linux distributions, such as SUSE, having originated in Germany, the country is well-positioned to embrace open-source solutions.
A notable case is the city of Munich, which initially sought to save costs on updating Windows machines by developing LiMux, a custom distribution based on Ubuntu. This transition gradually introduced staff to open-source tools like OpenOffice and LibreOffice. However, in the late 2010s, the city began reverting to Windows due to compatibility issues while still retaining LibreOffice. Other regions in Germany are stepping in to support the open-source shift.
The state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has also announced a migration from Microsoft SharePoint to the open-source platform Nextcloud, driven by a desire for digital autonomy. Bavaria has also initiated a digital sovereignty project.
Russia’s Shift to Linux
Seeking Alternatives Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
In contrast to Western motivations, Russia’s adoption of Linux, especially Astra Linux, has been strongly influenced by geopolitical factors. The move to this customized Debian version stems from the necessity of avoiding U.S. software, particularly after companies withdrew from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country’s urgency in finding alternatives has been highlighted by its ongoing plans to reduce reliance on Windows for government and military systems.
Astra Linux, which is commercially supported by Rubitech, is gaining traction as the country works towards enhancing its digital sovereignty. The need to mitigate the dominance of Microsoft’s desktop market share has been a long-term goal for Russian authorities, further accelerated by recent events.
China’s Path to Software Independence
Transitioning After Windows 10 Support Ends
China’s acceptance of Linux on desktops aligns with its desire for reduced dependency on American technology, particularly the widely used Microsoft Windows. This shift isn’t motivated by hostility but rather by a strategic aim to foster local software alternatives.
Kylin OS is one of the leading Linux distributions in China. Originally based on FreeBSD, Kylin transitioned to an Ubuntu-based system during the 2010s, supported by the National University of Defense Technology. The Chinese government is encouraging agencies to adopt Kylin UnionTech, another homegrown variant based on Deepin, following the end of support for Windows 10.
Fostering Self-Sufficiency through Linux
Whether driven by strategic choice or external pressures, numerous governments are taking steps to diminish their reliance on American technology, with Linux providing a viable path through its open-source framework and collaborative development.
