China Accelerates Withdrawal from Microsoft’s Government-Specific Windows 10
China is taking decisive action to phase out an older iteration of Microsoft’s Windows operating system specifically designed for governmental use.
This maneuver constitutes a significant stride in its broader initiative to diminish reliance on foreign technology.
Recent reports indicate that the Chinese Ministry of State Security has instructed certain state-associated entities to remove the customized version of Windows 10 from their systems, as disclosed by sources familiar with the situation.
This directive alters the timeline for discontinuing the software, moving it forward by several months. The action reflects Beijing’s escalating unease regarding its dependence on a prominent American technology.
The customized version of Windows 10 is developed by C&M Information Technologies (CMIT), a joint venture born from a collaboration between Microsoft and the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group. Established in 2016, CMIT aimed to adapt Windows 10 to align with China’s stringent security protocols.
Originally slated for retirement in February 2027—coinciding with a national campaign to limit foreign technological influence—the recent mandate has caught many employees of state agencies off guard, especially in the lead-up to a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The impetus behind this directive appears rooted in concerns over data security, although officials have refrained from elaborating on the specific vulnerabilities that have provoked such caution.
A spokesperson for Microsoft indicated, “We are unaware of any security incidents affecting this product, which continues to receive regular updates. We have no further commentary.”
China’s State Council Information Office has not responded to inquiries directed to them via fax, given the absence of publicly available contact details for the Ministry of State Security. CMIT has similarly remained silent regarding requests for comment.
In an effort to bolster domestic capabilities, China is advocating for the adoption of indigenous technologies within sectors managing sensitive data, including military and state-owned enterprises.
- Chinese firms such as Kylin Software and Tongxin Software Technology have developed alternative operating systems to supplant Windows.
- Central government agencies have been mandated to replace foreign-branded personal computers, and devices like Apple’s iPhones have been banned from certain sensitive state-linked entities.
- Amidst restrictions on cutting-edge AI accelerators from Nvidia, China is increasingly turning to domestic companies like Huawei Technologies and Cambricon Technologies for critical chip production.
CMIT’s version of Windows 10 incorporates cybersecurity enhancements developed within China. Additionally, several native functionalities have been disabled to comply with national security mandates.
Microsoft concluded support for Windows 10 in late 2025 with the advent of Windows 11, yet China remains an essential market for the tech giant.
Redmond, Washington, has cultivated a substantial enterprise by offering AI models to Chinese corporations, notably ByteDance and Tencent.
According to reports, ByteDance alone is projected to invest over $1 billion annually in Microsoft’s AI and cloud services.
Source link: Businesstimes.com.sg.
