Is Denmark switching from Windows to Linux?
Denmark is moving away from Microsoft, but mostly in office software so far. In 2025 the Ministry of Digitalisation said it would replace Office 365 with LibreOffice, and the largest municipalities began similar steps. An initial report that Windows would also be replaced by Linux was retracted as a misunderstanding.
- Announced
- Pilot
- Rolling out
- Widely deployed
Scope: Ministry of Digitalisation; municipalities including Copenhagen and Aarhus. Updated Oct 6, 2026.
What operating system does Danish government use?
- LibreOffice
Replacing Microsoft Office 365 in the ministry.
- Linux desktops
Initially reported for half of the ministry’s staff; the report was retracted.
Denmark’s Linux timeline
- Jun 2025
The digitalisation minister announces the ministry will move off Microsoft Office; the largest municipalities start similar steps.
- Jun 2025
The newspaper that reported the Windows-to-Linux switch retracts that part, citing a misunderstanding with the ministry.
- Autumn 2025
Target for the whole ministry to be free of Microsoft Office.
What is still unclear
This is a general picture, not a measurement.
- The headline claim of “Denmark switching to Linux” circulated widely and was partly incorrect; only the LibreOffice move is solid.
- Check the latest official statements before treating this as a Linux desktop migration.
Sources
Denmark: common questions
Is Denmark switching to Linux?
Not confirmed. Denmark’s Ministry of Digitalisation is replacing Microsoft Office with LibreOffice. A report that Windows would also be replaced by Linux was retracted as a misunderstanding.
Is Denmark ditching Microsoft?
It is reducing its dependence: the digitalisation ministry is moving to LibreOffice, and Copenhagen and Aarhus have started similar steps, motivated by digital sovereignty.
Other countries
Want to try it yourself? Read how to switch from Windows to Linux.