The OS Alternative: China’s Quest to Replace Windows and Android

Government agencies push adoption of homegrown operating systems like Kylin and HarmonyOS.
✍️ By Dr. Alan Hughes | Telecoms & Space Policy Analyst

China has long relied on U.S.-made operating systems like Windows and Android, but in 2025 the push for digital sovereignty has intensified efforts to replace them. Two contenders stand out: Kylin OS, developed with state backing, and Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which has gained traction in consumer devices.

Government agencies and state-owned enterprises have been instructed to adopt Kylin in critical infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign software vulnerable to sanctions. HarmonyOS, meanwhile, has expanded beyond smartphones into IoT devices, smart cars, and household appliances.

Adoption remains uneven. Businesses often prefer the familiarity of Windows or Android, while compatibility issues with global software limit uptake. However, domestic ecosystems are growing, with app developers increasingly incentivized to build for Chinese platforms.

The OS push is less about immediate dominance and more about long-term resilience. By cultivating homegrown systems, China aims to ensure that its digital backbone cannot be disrupted by geopolitical shocks.