The custom build from Microsoft's Chinese joint venture was scheduled to retire in February 2027.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works .
The affected software is the government edition developed by C&M Information Technologies (CMIT), a joint venture set up in 2016 between Microsoft and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group, with the Chinese side holding the majority stake. The build is based on Windows 10 Enterprise but strips out OneDrive and other consumer-facing components, disables certain native functions, keeps updates and activation inside China, and lets government users substitute Chinese encryption algorithms for Microsoft's standard cryptography. China Customs and Shanghai's Commission of Economy and Informatization were among the first pilot customers when the edition launched in 2017.
Microsoft ended mainstream Windows 10 support globally in October 2025, which left CMIT's edition as the only Windows still officially sanctioned for Chinese government use. "Microsoft is not aware of a security incident affecting this product," a company spokesperson told Bloomberg , adding that it continues to receive regular security updates.
StatCounter's traffic data shows how little of that campaign has reached the consumer market. Windows accounted for 87.64% of Chinese desktop web traffic in July 2026, and Windows 10 alone still made up 43.56% of Chinese Windows usage, compared with 50.01% for Windows 11 , ten months after mainstream support ended. Roughly two in five Chinese desktops are currently running an unsupported Microsoft OS, the gap that CMIT's edition was meant to close for government users.
Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates for a second year
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/china-reportedly-orders-state-agencies-to-uninstall-its-government-only-edition-of-windows-10#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com/membership
- Senior PC store staff accused of running secret rival shop with stolen inventory — Hong Kong retailer claims substantial losses over year-long scheme
- This portable, external CD/DVD drive comes with a 2.5-inch SATA and an SD Card slot for just $26 — Save 10% on a modern essential for keeping physical media ali
- Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW
- Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW
- This portable, external CD/DVD drive comes with a 2.5-inch SATA and an SD Card slot for just $26 — Save 10% on a modern essential for keeping physical media ali
Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.