Microsoft reveals special Windows 10 edition for China

Although Western brands have no problems entering the Chinese market with various devices, things are tough when it comes to software and services. Selling an operating system in China is not as easy as it may seem and the reason for this is censorship. While Apple continues to resist the demands of the Chinese government to "adjust" its desktop operating system for the local needs, Microsoft has just revealed a new Windows 10 version for the local market.

The name of the new Windows 10 flavor is "Windows 10 Zhuangongban," which translates to "Windows 10 Specially-provided Edition." According to Ralph Haupter, the CEO of Microsoft China, the "new" operating system has been developed by the Redmond giant together with China's CETC. According to him, this Windows 10 variant has less consumer-targeted services and apps included, but features more security and management controls. Unfortunately, Haupter did not uncover any specifics, but he also said that Windows 10 Zhuangongban is fully capable to run any Windows-compatible piece of code.

The new Windows 10 has to compete with NeoKylin, a Linux fork partially developed and funded by the Chinese government. Although it appears that Windows 10 Zhuangongban can run anything, we expect to hear mroe about its limitations in the future, since it might hold more than meets the eye.