China Accelerates Retirement of Customized Windows 10 for State Agencies

China's Ministry of State Security has instructed state-linked entities to uninstall a customized version of Microsoft's Windows 10, citing data security concerns. The move is ahead of schedule, as the software was set to be discontinued in February 2027.

The affected version is built by C&M Information Technologies (CMIT), a joint venture between Microsoft and the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation. CMIT's edition customizes the original software with cybersecurity features developed in China and switches off certain native functions to meet national security rules.

Microsoft has denied finding any problem with the product, stating that it continues to receive regular security updates. However, Beijing has not disclosed what specific vulnerability prompted the order.

The directive is part of a broader effort by China to reduce its dependence on foreign technology. The country has been promoting homemade tools in areas that handle sensitive data, including the military and state-owned firms. This push has already led to a decline in imports of PCs and software from Western companies.