France's government is ditching Windows for Linux, says US tech a strategic risk

By  Simon Batt Published Apr 10, 2026, 8:50 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart , Listverse , and MakeTechEasier . However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary France will cut its reliance on extra-EU proprietary tech, favoring open-source and digital sovereignty. DINUM orders ministries to map dependencies and plan exit from extra-European tech by fall. France plans to replace Windows with Linux; EU open-source options include openSUSE. As open-source tools begin to catch up with their proprietary cousins, people are realizing they're handing over far more control to businesses than they probably need to. After all, when two apps essentially do the same thing, but one is open-source, and the other can cut you off from its service on a moment's notice, it's hard to justify using the latter. Now, the French government has decided that enough is enough. It has announced that it will shift away fr…