Huawei is continuing its pivot away from American software sources, with the company reportedly getting ready to roll out alternatives to Microsoft Windows.

Huawei has been on the U.S. Department of Commerce Entity List for years, restricting its access to Google’s software and services, as well as the software of other American companies. In response, Huawei began releasing devices running its home-grown HarmonyOS in 2021.

According to Tom’s Hardware, Huawei is preparing to roll out its own desktop operating systems, thanks to an expiring Microsoft license to allow the Chinese company to sell computers with Windows. Because it is on the Entity List, there’s little chance Huawei will receive an extension of its Microsoft license.

Given Huawei’s limited options, the company will likely look to expand its HarmonyOS to its desktop and laptop PCs. HarmonyOS is believed to be based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the open source basis of what becomes the Google Android. Google has been working to improve Android’s desktop mode, which will likely continue to make improve its ability to compete with traditional desktop operating systems, especially on tablets and hybrid devices. Tom’s also says the company may look to Linux distributions as an alternative to Windows.

The Impact On Microsoft

A little-discussed side effect of Huawei’s predicament is that it could result in a measurable loss of market share for Microsoft. Huawei is one of China’s premier tech companies, with its phones and devices some of the most popular in China and various parts of the world.

Forcing Huawei to abandon Windows and rely on its own options for the desktop could hurt Windows, especially markets outside the U.S.

Huawei could also prove to be a major boost to Linux, especially at a time when it has been rapidly gaining market share. Many Linux distros have closed the functionality gap with Windows, with many users and companies able to make a seamless switch.