China Said to Order Some Government Agencies to Remove Windows 10 Government Edition Early

China's Ministry of State Security has recently instructed some government-related agencies to uninstall a version of Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system customised for government devices. The operating system was developed by Shenzhou Netcom Technology Co. , Ltd. , which integrated China's self-developed network security modules into the original software. Shenzhou Netcom is a joint venture established in 2016 by Microsoft and China Electronics Technology Group, aimed at ensuring Windows 10 meets the Chinese government's security requirements.

Shenzhou Netcom had originally planned to end support for the software in February 2027; the new directive brings that timeline forward by several months. The requirement is based on data security concerns, though specific potential risks were not disclosed. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company is not aware of any security incidents affecting the product, which will continue to receive routine security updates.

China continues to promote the use of self-developed technology in sensitive areas such as the military and government agencies. Several Chinese companies, including Kylin Software and Uniontech, have launched domestic computer operating systems as alternatives to Windows. China has previously required central government agencies to replace their computers with domestic products, and some more sensitive state departments have also been banned from using Apple's iPhone.