Understand what can change.

Did you know that China has just introduced its own alternative to BIOS, the system that boots any computer before the operating system opens? Yes, the country is developing a domestic replacement for this technology, and this could change a lot in the world of computing. But before we talk about the consequences, how about understanding what's at stake here?

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the basic software that makes the computer turn on and recognize all its components, like the brain that wakes the body. Without it, the operating system won't even load. The problem is that this type of technology has always been dominated by Western companies, mainly American ones, such as Intel and AMD.

And that's where China comes into the picture. The country decided to create its own BIOS replacement with the aim of reducing dependence on foreign technologies, something already happening in several sectors, especially after tensions with the United States.

What is this new Chinese system?

The BIOS replacement is called OpenKylin Firmware, and is part of the project KylinOS, a Chinese Linux-based operating system designed for widespread use within the country. It was developed by a group of Chinese companies and research institutions, with direct support from the government.

The idea is simple: create a fully domestic technology chain, from the chip to the software that powers the computer. This way, China can ensure greater security, autonomy, and control over its own systems.

OpenKylin Firmware works similarly to BIOS or UEFI (the most modern version used in today's PCs), but it is open source (open source). This means that other Chinese companies will be able to freely adapt it for their devices, without relying on foreign licenses or restrictions.

Why China Wants to Get Rid of the American BIOS

The main reason is technological sovereignty. In times of trade war and sanctions, relying on American software poses a huge risk to the country's digital infrastructure. Imagine if, suddenly, companies like Intel or Microsoft were banned from providing updates or support for systems used by Chinese banks, governments, and companies. It would be chaos.

Furthermore, creating domestic firmware also provides greater security. China wants to avoid what it calls "backdoors"—vulnerabilities in the code that could be exploited by other countries. With its own system, the country gains full control over what runs on its devices.

Impact for the rest of the world

Creating a BIOS replacement may seem far-fetched, but the impact is global. This is because China is the largest manufacturer of computers and electronic components on the planet. If Chinese companies begin to adopt OpenKylin Firmware on a large scale, manufacturers abroad will have to adapt to this new reality.

Furthermore, this shift could accelerate the technological fragmentation between East and West—a path that has already begun with 5G networks and semiconductor chips. Instead of an integrated global ecosystem, we may begin to see parallel systems, each with its own standards and rules.

Is it good or bad for the average user?

It depends on where you are. For the Chinese, it's great—it means more independence, more control, and likely a system more adapted to local needs.

For users outside China, especially developers and hardware manufacturers, this can create complications. If OpenKylin Firmware becomes the standard there, it will be necessary to ensure compatibility between different systems and firmwares, which could increase production costs and hinder technical support.

On the other hand, being an open source project opens the door to international collaborations and security improvements, which is always positive.

The movement is part of something bigger

This Chinese initiative didn't come out of nowhere. It's part of a much broader strategy called Made in China 2025, which seeks to transform the country into a self-sufficient power in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and semiconductors.

In recent years, China has been developing its own chips (like Loongson and Kunpeng), national operating systems (like Deepin and KylinOS), and now, the firmware that makes it all work from the start.

It's as if the country were building a closed technological ecosystem, capable of surviving even if it were completely disconnected from the rest of the world, something that the United States, for example, can no longer do with the same ease.

And what do American companies think about this?

Well, they're not happy at all. China's technological advancement has been raising alarm bells in Washington for years. So much so that the U.S. government has already imposed several restrictions on the export of chips and software to the country.

Now, with the development of a BIOS replacement, China takes another step toward complete independence. And this could affect giants like Intel, AMD, and Microsoft, which have always dominated this critical layer of PC technology.

The future of computers may change

If China's project succeeds, and everything indicates it will, it's quite possible we'll see Chinese-made 100% computers in the future, from the chip to the operating system. This could completely change the dynamics of the industry, creating a new alternative market to Western dominance.

Of course, it's still too early to know whether OpenKylin Firmware will compete on equal terms with traditional systems. But one thing is certain: the technological battle between China and the US is far from over.

And if you think this has nothing to do with your daily life, think again. This race for technological independence can affect everything from the price of electronics to the compatibility of the software you use every day.

The BIOS, which has always been something "invisible" to most users, is becoming a battleground between global powers. And who would have thought that the simple act of turning on your computer would be part of a silent war for the future of technology?

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Published on October 27, 2025