12:20 - 18.08.2026

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August 18, Fineko/abc.az. China's Ministry of State Security has instructed several state-linked entities to remove customized "Windows 10" software from their computers. The decision brings forward the OS phase-out schedule by several months, reflecting Beijing's growing unease over relying on critical US technologies.

The customized software was developed by "CMIT", a joint venture established in 2016 between "Microsoft" and state-owned "China Electronics Technology Group Corp.", to comply with Beijing's security standards. While the software was originally slated for retirement in February 2027, the timeline was expedited due to data security concerns.

Beijing is actively replacing foreign-branded computers in central government agencies and promoting domestic operating systems like "Kylin Software" and "Tongxin Software Technology" across military and sensitive state-backed sectors.