China has banned the use of Windows 8 on all the country’s new government computers.
CNET noted that the Chinese news agency Xinhua, reported that the move was made to improve security on the computers after Microsoft ended support for Windows XP operating systems.
The program will not be installed on any new public sector computers.
According to Reuters, the country decided last week to ban the OS on all government machines, so it is not a reaction relating to Monday’s alleged hacking charges.
It is not clear whether or not Windows 7 will still be an option, but China has been hoping to develop and use its own Linux-based OS, similar to its mobile OS.
Microsoft has not commented on the move, but the ban is definitely another blow to the company that has had dismal sales in China.
"China's decision to ban Windows 8 from public procurement hampers Microsoft's push of the OS to replace XP, which makes up 50 percent of China's desktop market," the data firm Canalys said.