https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/10/france-to-ditch-windows-for-linux-to-reduce-reliance-on-us-tech/ -:-:-:- LAST 24 HOURS: Save up to $500 on your Disrupt pass. Offer ends tonight, 11:59 p.m. PT. Register here. Save up to $680 on your Disrupt 2026 pass. Ends 11:59 p.m. PT tonight. REGISTER NOW. Close [tc-lockup] TechCrunch Desktop Logo [tc-lo] TechCrunch Mobile Logo * Latest * Startups * Venture * Apple * Security * AI * Apps * Events * Podcasts * Newsletters Search [ ]Submit * Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture More from TechCrunch Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us French tricolour flag (blue, white and red, symbol of the Republic of France) hanging from a flagpole above the entrance gate to the courtyard of the Elysee Palace, Exit from the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace of the Elysee in Paris, France on August 27, 2025. The ministers get into their cars and leave the Elysee Palace. (Photo by Amaury Cornu / Hans Lucas via AFP)Image Credits:AMAURY CORNU/Hans Lucas/AFP / Getty Images Security France to ditch Windows for Linux to reduce reliance on US tech Zack Whittaker 7:39 AM PDT * April 10, 2026 France is trying to move on from Microsoft Windows. The country said 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. technology. Linux is an open source operating system that is free to download and use, with various customized distributions that are tailored and designed for specific use cases or operations. In a statement, French minister David Amiel said (translated) that the effort was to "regain control of our digital destiny" by relying less on U.S. tech companies. Amiel said 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 use technology 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. technology. 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 world 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 announced 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 said it also plans to migrate its health data platform to a new trusted platform by the end of the year. Topics cybersecurity, France, Government & Policy, linux, Security, Windows Zack Whittaker Zack Whittaker Security Editor Zack Whittaker is the security editor at TechCrunch. He also authors the weekly cybersecurity newsletter, this week in security. He can be reached via encrypted message at zackwhittaker.1337 on Signal. You can also contact him by email, or to verify outreach, at zack.whittaker@techcrunch.com. View Bio Event Logo April 30 San Francisco, CA StrictlyVC kicks off the year in SF. Get in the room for unfiltered fireside chats with industry leaders, insider VC insights, and high-value connections that actually move the needle. Tickets are limited. REGISTER NOW Most Popular * This founder helped build SpaceX's most powerful rocket engine. 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