The newspaper reports that the American software giant Microsoft has made its Windows operating system available again for download inside Russia. News outlets note the move as it relates to software professionals who track licensing and deployment patterns in the region.
The official download area shows Windows being reinstalled directly on Microsoft’s site, without the need to use a VPN. This change is being watched closely by IT departments and individual users who must verify the legitimacy and activation requirements before installing on devices located in Russia.
The notices indicate that both the latest Windows version, Windows 11 22H2, and earlier editions such as Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7, can be obtained. A Windows Setup Assistant is available to help guide installations and updates, and the site also provides a disk image for creating USB or DVD media to perform the installation offline. This setup flow aligns with Microsoft’s long standing approach to assist users through a guided upgrade or fresh install when access to original media is needed. The emphasis remains on obtaining a valid license key to activate the system after installation.
IT professionals explain that download access does not circumvent licensing. A valid product key is still required to activate Windows after it is installed, and users should ensure they obtain a legitimate license as part of the installation process. This distinction is important for organizations and individuals who depend on ongoing security updates and official support channels.
One IT specialist, Dmitry Bevza, suggests that Microsoft’s decision to reopen download access in the Russian Federation could signal a shift in the company’s stance toward customers who have already purchased Windows. The move is being interpreted as a potential step toward easing direct access for those users, while continuing to enforce licensing terms and regional compliance.
Earlier reports noted a rise in the distribution of pirated Windows and Office copies since the summer of the previous year. Those observations highlight ongoing concerns about software piracy, compliance, and the risks associated with using unlicensed products, including missed security updates and reduced functionality.
Microsoft had announced in March 2022 that it would progressively reduce its presence in the Russian market in response to the start of the military operation in Ukraine. The current developments appear to reflect a broader recalibration of operations and regional product access that remains under close scrutiny by observers and policy makers, as well as by end users seeking legitimate installation options.
Cumulatively, the situation illustrates how global software providers balance regional constraints with user demand and licensing requirements. It also underscores the importance of obtaining proper licenses, timely updates, and official support when deploying Windows across devices in any market. The evolving stance may influence future access patterns in Russia and beyond, as customers weigh convenience against compliance and security obligations.