France will transition from Windows to Linux in government systems, abandoning American software products

France Announces Shift to Linux

The French Ministry of Digital Affairs (DINUM) has confirmed a plan to move from Windows to Linux in government systems. By the autumn of 2026, all ministries must submit plans to abandon “non‑European” software solutions for key IT infrastructure areas: operating systems, collaboration tools, cyber protection, AI, databases, virtualization, and networking equipment.

Targeted Solutions

DINUM has identified several specific products:

- Tchap – a messaging service;
- Visio – a replacement for Zoom;
- FranceTransfer – a document transfer system.

In June 2024, initial meetings are scheduled to determine the format of cooperation between the state and the private sector for implementing the transition strategy.

Why It Matters
France’s move signals that European governments are shifting from isolated replacements to a broader rejection of American technologies (Windows, Microsoft Office, Zoom, Google Docs). In recent years, the European Union has tightened regulation on major tech companies and promoted digital sovereignty ideas.

- 2025 – France accused the U.S. of attempting to undermine the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), which require large players, including Apple, to adhere to open system interoperability and fair competition rules.
- Openness and compatibility remain key themes in European initiatives. In response, France and other states are gradually adopting open‑source solutions that do not rely on American giants.

Sequence of Transitions
Date | Event
March 2025 | France and Germany introduce Docs – an alternative to Google Docs for cloud‑free collaboration.
Later 2025 | Schleswig‑Holstein announces a switch to LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office.
October 2025 | The International Criminal Court reports a move to OpenDesk.
January 2026 | France declares a shift to Visio (Zoom replacement).
March 2026 | A European consortium presents Euro‑Office – its own version of OnlyOffice.

Growing Interest in Linux
As tensions around Microsoft and other U.S. tech firms rise in Europe, demand for Linux systems has increased. Popular distributions that continue to receive support include:

- Fedora
- ParrotOS
- Tiny Core Linux
- elementary OS
- Kali Linux

Additionally, gaming capabilities on Linux have improved significantly: Bazzite and CachyOS can run most Windows games, often with higher performance.

Conclusion: France aims to fully transition to open solutions by 2026, reflecting the broader European trend toward digital sovereignty and a move away from American technologies.