In the Netherlands, the adoption of Windows 11 by the public administration is not without controversy. Faced with technical and political constraints, the country is now relying on a custom-built Linux distribution. This choice illustrates a strong desire for digital sovereignty, far from traditional giants.
The DAWO project, led by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior, is at the heart of this transition. It proposes an autonomous digital workstation based on NixOS, an uncommon Linux distribution but already appreciated for its robustness and modularity. This is a rare and ambitious approach, focused on software independence.
On the ground, eight municipalities are currently testing DAWO, often on refurbished computers unable to run Windows 11 effectively. And despite some necessary adjustments, the project is progressing methodically — the stable version is expected by the end of 2027, providing a clear horizon for this migration.
Why the Netherlands is Rejecting Windows 11 in Favor of Linux
The story takes a political turn as early as 2025. Following American sanctions against the International Criminal Court, Microsoft allegedly cut off access to its messaging service for prosecutor Karim Khan. Regardless, this has highlighted a major concern: how to manage critical services when dependence on foreign solutions is total?
For a country like the Netherlands, this situation is unacceptable. Digital tools must remain sovereign. This is precisely the challenge that DAWO, the Digitaal Autonome Werkomgeving Overheid, addresses. This workstation is based on NixOS, known for its scripted configuration and unyielding reproducibility of environments. Each workstation is thus controlled line by line and remains reproducible identically.
This systematic method is not just a technical feat. It simplifies management and maintenance, and above all, it avoids the pitfalls of unpredictable updates or incompatibilities that often hinder large-scale deployments. For an administration, it is a guarantee of stability and total control.
The DAWO Project: A Complete Ecosystem Under Control
DAWO is not limited to the operating system. The Dutch administration has assembled a customized office suite, MijnBureau, which combines European open-source tools like La Suite, OpenDesk, and Nextcloud. Each component is published as open source on a state platform, ensuring transparency and the possibility of auditing.
The reliance on European components is far from trivial. It reduces international technological dependence and secures the exchange of sensitive data. For public actors, this offers direct control over their data — an obvious imperative in a tense geopolitical context.
The project is still in the experimental phase, but the results are promising. The laptops used for testing are often old models on which Windows 11 simply could not run. DAWO thus gives a second life to these machines, a beautiful illustration of technological sustainability.
A Broader European Movement Towards Free Software and Sovereignty
In the Netherlands, the transition to DAWO fits into a larger European trend. Lyon, for example, began deploying Linux and OnlyOffice as early as 2025. In France, some public institutions are abandoning Microsoft 365 in favor of free alternatives. In Switzerland, Bern is even testing a massive migration of sensitive workstations to Linux.
This dynamic gives a good idea of the stakes: reliability, control, cost, and data respect. Windows 11, with its ever-increasing minimum requirements, hinders administrations and prompts a rethinking of infrastructures. In contrast, Linux, by its modular and adaptable nature, fits better with on-the-ground realities.
This shift also opens up a reflection on the software ecosystem in Europe. For many, free software embodies a source of more transparent innovation, but also an essential lever for digital sovereignty. This patient work is far from a simple patchwork.
The Challenges and Lessons of Large-Scale Migration
Switching from Windows to Linux in a public administration requires fine coordination. DAWO is designed with an approach where 80 to 90% of the configuration is standardized from one machine to another. This facilitates deployments and maintenance. However, adjustments are necessary, particularly for specific business applications.
For now, the ministry does not foresee a binding national timeline. The team favors caution, correcting bugs reported during testing and preparing the ground for gradual adoption. Choosing open source also means accepting a necessary skills enhancement, a factor that will be closely monitored in the coming years.
This approach is primarily a long-term bet. Giving the state control over its digital tools is akin to taking care of old agricultural machinery: one keeps it in working order to ensure it lasts, rather than replacing it with a flashy tractor whose fuel and parts are beyond one’s control.
For more information about this initiative and to follow the progress of the project, you can consult specialized sources such as FrAndroid or ITdaily.
Why did the Netherlands choose NixOS for DAWO?
NixOS offers a scripted and reproducible configuration that guarantees stability and complete control over workstations. This approach is ideal for a public administration looking to reduce risks related to updates and hardware diversity.
What are the advantages of DAWO compared to Windows 11?
DAWO runs on less powerful machines, offers total system and data control, and relies on a sovereign office suite. It also avoids the constraints associated with hardware and updates imposed by Microsoft.
Is the DAWO project ready for national deployment?
The stable version is not expected before the end of 2027. For now, DAWO is being tested in a few municipalities, and the ministry prefers a gradual approach with corrections before any potential large-scale deployment.
Is DAWO solely a Dutch project?
The project is designed and led by the Netherlands. However, it is part of a European trend where several countries are experimenting with open-source alternatives to reduce their dependence on Microsoft.
What office tools are integrated into DAWO?
The MijnBureau suite uses European open-source components like La Suite, OpenDesk, and Nextcloud. All codes are published as open source, ensuring transparency and digital self-determination.
Source: www.lesnumeriques.com