News hardware Millions of people can no longer download Windows 11
Since the start of the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, many American companies have begun to suspend their services throughout Russia. Whether it’s the services of Apple Pay which was massively used by the population, or Intel which has simply suspended its sales, the penalties are numerous. Microsoft is taking part in this punishment by blocking the download of Windows 11.
Microsoft wants to suspend all its services
It is since last weekend that Russian users have been able to realize that it is now impossible for them to download Windows 11.
Indeed, Microsoft has provided no information regarding the implementation of these measures, but there is no doubt that this is one of the many sanctions that have been imposed on Russia since the beginning. of the armed conflict with Ukraine.
It was on the BleepingComputer site that the whole world learned the news, after the complaints of many Russians, experts looked into the subject and saw that Microsoft was completely blocking their services, and this, since June 20.
All PCs with Windows can in theory access the version of the Windows 11 operating system. In theory because technical recommendations are requested by Microsoft. By going through the Windows official website or even through your computer’s update settings, you can download Windows 11 with one click.
Even if the other operating systems from Windows 8 continue to be updated regularly, in particular on security, Russian users could potentially find themselves deprived of updates, even with the latest version of their OS installed.
Error text when downloading Windows 11 in Russia. Source: BleepingComputer
The only solution left to Russians seems to be the use of VPNs, but again, the government being very cautious, the use of any VPN in Russia is punishable by law.
In the meantime, Microsoft still hasn’t released any information, and Russian users find themselves stuck not knowing if they’ll ever be able to update their PCs.
Russia, more and more closed in on itself because of all the sanctions
Microsoft is far from the first company to close its doors in Russia. Since the beginning of the war, many Western companies have reduced or stopped their activities in the territory.
One can take for example Apple, which suspended its services as of March 1, including their Apple Pay service which many Russian users used every day.
In the world of video games, Electronic Arts took the lead in preventing the downloading and purchase of games and content from Russians, and even took the decision to eject Russia from FIFA and NHL.
We can add to the list PayPal, Samsung, Facebook or even Amazon and many others who have simply suspended all services. There is no doubt that many Western companies will take this path in the coming months, it remains to be seen how the Russian population experiences it.
But what is certain is that Russians will not be able to take advantage of new Windows and the Windows 11 operating system.
