Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 ISO files and installation tools are no longer downloadable to the people in Russia.
According to a source, Russia’s TASS news agency has first confirmed this incident regarding failed download of the Microsoft Windows Operating System and its associated tools. Even attempted download of Windows 10 Update Assistant, the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, and the Windows 11 Installation Assistant using a VPN server failed. Reportedly there was a message shown on the computer screen stating, “404-File or Directory not found.”
Similarly, When Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 ISOs were aimed to download, the screen showed an error message, “There was a problem with your request.”
However, the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool was possible to install on the computer but soon after it generated 0x80072F8F-0X20000 error saying, “For some unknown reason, this tool failed to run on your computer.”
According to a source, multiple people residing within Russia also faced the problem. Although once they were able to connect to a VPN server, they were able to download the files using locations outside Russia.
Russia’s Roskomsvoboda reported in June that “The authorities will not punish users of VPN services, but they do not welcome the use of such applications.”
However, it is unclear whether Microsoft has terminated the download of its Windows ISOs on the Russian territory. Although Microsoft has suspended new sales in Russia in a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Microsoft said in March, “We are continuing with the suspension of all new sales of products and services in Russia. These actions add to those we have previously detailed on protection from cyberattacks, protection from state-sponsored disinformation, support for humanitarian aid and protection of our employees.”
However, the company also stated that it will continue its obligations to Russian customers. So, whether the download errors are from the company or the country itself is unclear.
