France to Migrate 2.5 Million Government PCs from Windows to Linux in Push for Digital Sovereignty

France has announced a phased migration of government computers to Linux. Officials are framing the move as part of a wider digital transformation aimed at tightening control over state data and reducing reliance on U.S.-based services.

A total of 2.5 million government systems are slated to be replaced under the plan. Sources emphasize that the shift from Windows to Linux isn't being treated as just a routine tech upgrade, but as a strategic lever to boost independence and data security across the public sector.

One of the key triggers for this policy shift was the restricted access to Microsoft email services faced by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court due to U.S. sanctions. That episode made it painfully clear just how much external pressure can interfere with the operations of government and international bodies.

To be clear, this move targets state-owned computers specifically, not a nationwide switch for every user in the country. For now, French authorities are presenting the initiative as part of a broader digital transformation effort, with data control and reduced dependence on foreign platforms taking center stage.

With this news, France is effectively doubling down on Linux as the backbone of its state IT infrastructure. If the plan is fully carried out, it will go down as one of the most high-profile migrations from Windows to an alternative OS ever seen in Europe's public sector.

Do you think France's move to switch government PCs to Linux is a genuine step toward digital independence, or is it going to be an overly expensive and complicated undertaking?