Russian media have claimed that Intel and Microsoft have started their business in Russia and Belarus again after an initial halt as a result of the previous invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions imposed on the country.
Intel reportedly stopped all shipments to Russia in February 2022, two months before it ceased all business operations there, leaving Russian customers without access to software updates and other downloads.
It has also been reported that Microsoft has since allowed Windows 11 updates in Russia, yet customers in the country are still unable to download and install the company’s latest operating system.
Intel and Microsoft in Russia
As a result, Russian media reported that the ban was preventing companies like Intel from fulfilling warranty obligations, while some customers turned to VPNs, torrents, and other sources to find copies.
According to Intel (via tom devices (Opens in a new tab)): “Access to resources that meet driver update needs, such as the Intel Download Center and Intel Download Support Assistant, are part of Intel’s warranty obligations,” indicating that they have restored access to certain products based on warranty compliance.
Another source reportedly said tom devices that while Intel blocked downloads in Russia earlier in 2022, access was restored later that year.
Some Russian media sources claim that it is possible, again, to access the Intel download portal without having to use tools such as a VPN, however the portal had to be found by a search engine as it is still said that the main part of the Intel website cannot Access to it in Russia.
TechRadar Pro Both companies have been reached regarding the resumption of operations in Russia. Intel told us:
In February and March 2022, Intel commented (Opens in a new tab) All shipments are for customers in Russia and Belarus, respectively. In April 2022, Intel announced its suspension (Opens in a new tab) its business operations in Russia.
There are no recent changes to our operations; Intel continues to comply with all applicable export regulations and sanctions in the countries in which it operates. This includes complying with sanctions and export controls against Russia and Belarus issued by the United States and allied countries. Access resources that address driver update needs, such as the Intel Download Center (Opens in a new tab) and Intel Download Support Assistant (IDSA) (Opens in a new tab), is part of Intel’s warranty obligations. “
A Microsoft spokesperson said:
As we shared earlier (Opens in a new tab)We have stopped all sales of new products and services in Russia and are complying with the sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.