Microsoft has blocked the installation of Windows 10 and 11 in Russia from the company’s official website.
Users within the country confirmed that attempts to download Windows 10 resulted in a 404 error message.
Microsoft hasn’t yet issued a statement on the matter, so it’s unclear if this is just a server error or a deliberate decision taken by the company to protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
If someone with a Russian IP address tries to download the Windows ISO files directly from Microsoft’s website, they get greeted with a message stating there was a problem with their request.
Attempting to download the Windows Update Assistant, Windows Media Creation Tool, or Windows 11 Installation Assistant also doesn’t work, with users getting redirected to a webpage with an error message.
Some people in Russia have reported that they are able to download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool. However, it crashes on startup, generating a 0x80072F8F-0x20000 error.
Microsoft announced it would suspend new sales of Microsoft products and services in the country due to the invasion of Ukraine and “in compliance with governmental sanctions decisions” and making substantial cuts to its business in Russia, reportedly including the reduction of over 400 employees.