France is planning to replace Windows software with open-source alternative Linux across government computers, in a move aimed at reducing its dependence on American tech giants – but experts warn the transition will be costly and slow.
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The plan was announced on 8 April by the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs, the body that manages IT systems across ministries and public administrations. It involves changing the core software that runs thousands of state computers.
Windows, owned by US company Microsoft, is the most widely used computer operating system in the world. Windows 11 alone powers more than 1 billion computers worldwide.
Linux is a free system developed in Finland in 1991, and is open-source, meaning anyone can use, modify and share it.
“A free software system means you can see how it works, which guarantees transparency, but it is also collectively owned,” digital security specialist Fabrice Epelboin told RFI. “It’s code that belongs to everyone, that anyone can use, adapt to their needs and improve.”
Until now, France has relied heavily on Windows – but parts of the French state have already made the switch. The national gendarmerie is largely equipped with Linux systems.
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Control over data
Using software owned by Microsoft means relying on the company to run key systems.
“When you use proprietary software, you are at the mercy of espionage, you are at the mercy of American companies recovering your data,” Epelboin said. “If you want to protect them, the best, if not the only, solution is to use free software.”
Free software lets users see how programmes work and gives them control over how data is handled.
Other European countries, including Spain and Germany, have already adopted similar systems.
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A ‘colossal’ shift
Switching systems on such a large scale will be a major task. The transition will affect large numbers of public sector workers, and will require extensive training and technical work.
Instead of paying licence fees to Microsoft, spending would go towards engineers to install, maintain and adapt the systems, which could support the domestic economy by investing in local jobs.
However, the process is expected to take time. Such projects are “colossal” and exceed the duration of most political mandates, Epelboin said.
It is not yet known how many government computers will be affected, and no detailed timeline for the rollout has been made public.
Microsoft’s lobbying efforts could also slow the shift. The company spent €7 million in 2025 engaging with European Union policymakers on digital and competition rules.
This article was adapted from the original version in French.
