China Bans Official Use of Windows 8

If you work for the Chinese government, you'd better not get caught installing Windows 8. Beijing has banned the use Microsoft's newest operating system on new government computers after Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP, which is widely used in China, last month, Reuters reports. The Windows 8 ban is a security measure following Microsoft's move, according to the official state news bureau. The government's goal is "to avoid the awkwardness" of a "similar situation" in the future, Xinhua says, via ZDNet.

The ban was announced amid a call for the use of greener products. But officials haven't explained how the new rule boosts security or reduces energy use, Reuters notes. The ban creates another hurdle for Microsoft in a country where its products have seen sales struggles. It also comes as China is working on building its own operating system, ZDNet reports. (More China stories.)