Is Australia switching from Windows to Linux?
No. In February 2026 the Digital Transformation Agency signed a five-year agreement with Microsoft starting 1 July 2026, covering Microsoft 365, Azure and Copilot for Commonwealth agencies. Australia’s 2011 policy only asks agencies to consider open-source software.
Scope: Commonwealth agencies. Updated Oct 6, 2026.
What operating system does Australian federal government use?
- Microsoft 365 and Azure
Covered by the five-year agreement from July 2026.
Australia’s Linux timeline
- 2011
A federal policy asks agencies to consider open-source software for all procurements.
- Feb 2026
The DTA signs a new five-year agreement with Microsoft.
What is still unclear
This is a general picture, not a measurement.
- A long Microsoft contract is not a ban on open source, but it signals no near-term switch.
Could Australia switch to Linux in the future?
No move is confirmed. These are the signals that would show a change:
- Changes to the 2011 open-source procurement policy
- Sovereignty concerns after European moves
Sources
Australia: common questions
Is Australia switching to Linux?
No. The government signed a five-year Microsoft agreement in February 2026.
Will Australia use Linux in the future?
It is unlikely in the near term given the Microsoft deal, though policy could change.
Other countries
Want to try it yourself? Read how to switch from Windows to Linux.