China Moves to Remove Windows From Some Government Systems Over Security Concerns

China is accelerating plans to replace a customized version of Microsoft's Windows 10 in some state-linked entities amid concerns over data security, according to Bloomberg, Yuvraj Malik reported for Stocktwits.

China is moving to reduce reliance on Microsoft's Windows software in some government-linked systems amid heightened cybersecurity concerns. [Image: Microsoft Windows]

Microsoft and a Chinese state-owned technology group developed the customized Windows version to meet Beijing's security requirements.

The move comes as Microsoft continues to provide AI and cloud services to major Chinese companies, including ByteDance.

China's Ministry of State Security recently instructed some government-affiliated organizations to remove the software from their computers, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The move would bring forward the planned retirement of the operating system by several months and highlights Beijing's growing concerns about foreign software in sensitive government systems.

The customized Windows version was developed by C&M Information Technologies, a joint venture between Microsoft and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corp.

Founded in 2016, the venture was established to make Windows compliant with China's cybersecurity and national-security requirements.