France Begins Transition From Windows To Linux In Government Workstations
France will replace Windows with Linux in government systems to strengthen digital sovereignty.
The Government of France has announced a major shift in its digital infrastructure strategy, deciding to gradually move official government workstations away from Microsoft Windows and adopt the open-source operating system Linux in an effort to strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European technology providers.
The decision was formalised during an interministerial seminar held on April 8, following a directive from French leadership aimed at reducing what officials described as “extra-European” digital dependencies. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to regain greater control over public digital infrastructure and sensitive government data.
The transition will begin with systems operated by the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs (DINUM), which will lead the migration process. Other key agencies involved in the rollout include the Directorate General for Enterprises (DGE), the National Cybersecurity Agency of France (ANSSI), and the State Procurement Directorate (DAE), all of which will coordinate efforts across ministries.
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Officials stated that each ministry will be required to develop its own transition plan by the fall, covering not only operating systems but also related technologies such as collaboration tools, cybersecurity software, artificial intelligence systems, databases, virtualization platforms, and network infrastructure. The move is intended to reduce dependence on foreign—particularly US-based—technology suppliers.
The initiative reflects growing concerns within France over digital autonomy and data control. Government representatives have emphasized that reliance on external tech ecosystems limits national oversight of critical digital systems, and that adopting open-source platforms like Linux will provide greater transparency, security, and flexibility.
The decision follows earlier steps by the French government to phase out certain foreign software tools, including replacing widely used video conferencing platforms with domestic or open-source alternatives. Officials say the broader shift is aimed at building a more independent and resilient digital ecosystem for public administration in the years ahead.
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