Germany’s Shift from Windows: What It Means for Digital Sovereignty and Japan’s Future
For many professionals, a typical workday begins with a familiar routine: power on the PC, launch Windows, open Outlook and Excel, and start the day. But what if that default platform suddenly changed?
In the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, this question is no longer hypothetical. The local government has decided to phase out Microsoft products like Windows, Office, and Teams for all of its approximately 30,000 public employees by 2026. The move to Linux, LibreOffice, and other open-source software (OSS) isn’t just about saving money—it’s about regaining control.
Why Is Germany Ditching Windows?
Germany’s decision reflects three major concerns:
・Digital Sovereignty: Many EU countries are concerned about data hosted by American tech giants. Microsoft 365, for example, often stores user data on non-EU servers, raising compliance issues with GDPR.・Rising Licensing Costs: Yearly fees for Microsoft products continue to increase. Open-source solutions offer predictable, low-cost alternatives.
・Technical Independence: With OSS, governments can avoid vendor lock-in and tailor systems to their needs. This gives IT teams greater control and flexibility.
Germany’s Move Is Not an Isolated Case
This is part of a broader European trend. The European Union is actively pushing for “digital sovereignty”—a future where European data is stored, managed, and processed within Europe, free from dependence on foreign tech giants.
One major initiative is GAIA-X, a European cloud infrastructure project that aims to create a federated and secure data ecosystem within the EU. Germany’s transition to OSS is directly aligned with this vision.
How Does This Affect Japan?
While Germany moves ahead, Japan is slowly warming to OSS adoption—especially in education and local government. Still, most companies and institutions remain deeply tied to Microsoft 365 and Windows.
However, with the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, Japanese companies will face increased pressure to upgrade, renew licenses, or explore alternatives. This opens the door for OSS discussions.
Government & Education Sectors
Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is promoting digital reform (自治体DX), which includes a review of software dependencies and more open infrastructure. Some local governments in Hokkaido and Nagano have experimented with Linux deployments.
Private Sector Dependency
Japanese companies—especially SMEs—depend heavily on Microsoft tools. Licensing costs and upgrade cycles are becoming a burden. Some companies are now testing LibreOffice and open-source CRM/ERP tools as lightweight alternatives.
OSS and Young Engineers
OSS offers valuable training grounds for younger developers. Tools like Pleasanter (a Japanese open-source workflow platform) are gaining traction in education and government. Germany’s decision could further boost global demand for OSS-savvy engineers, including in Japan.
This Is Not Just About Cost — It’s About Control
Japan’s current state—where Microsoft products are considered the default—may need to evolve. OSS provides a critical advantage: choice. True digital sovereignty isn’t about banning commercial software. It’s about being able to decide what works best, without being boxed in.
Germany’s “exit” from Windows and Office sends a clear message: It’s time to reconsider where our tools come from, how much they cost us, and who controls our digital future.
If you’re considering experimenting with Linux or transitioning away from Windows in certain workflows, it’s helpful to set up a separate environment first.
If you’re planning to install Linux or manage OSS environments, having a lightweight second device or external SSD is handy.
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- 🇯🇵 Check bootable USBs on Amazon Japan
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Conclusion: What If You Didn’t Have to Start with Windows?
Just as cloud computing and remote work were once niche ideas, the move toward open-source platforms may become the new normal. Germany’s decision is a signal—not just to Europe, but to every country facing the same questions.
Perhaps the real question is no longer, “Should we leave Windows?” but “What might we gain if we do?”
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