Microsoft Store

Verified

Testing from Syria found the Microsoft Store website blocked while the desktop app works. apps.microsoft.com returns the UnavailableInMarket page, «Store is not available in your country or region», in both desktop and mobile browsers, with no VPN in use.

Note

Testing found Store access depends on the Windows region setting. Set outside Syria, the storefront, browsing and app installs all work without a VPN. Set to Syria, the Store shows «Store is not available in your country or region». Purchasing warns the account region is SY.

Fully Unblocked

The Microsoft Store is accessible from Syria again. The February 2026 report described users unable to sign in or install apps; both now work, and the service's status has been updated from blocked to accessible. Microsoft never replied to the four approaches made about it.

Verified

Community testing from a Syrian residential connection found the Microsoft Store working: the storefront loads, the updates list shows 31 managed apps, and a 113 MB third-party app downloaded and installed to completion. Paid purchases were not tested.

Follow-up Sent

A fifth volunteer wrote to Microsoft's export-controls team, again asking that Syria be onboarded following the lifted sanctions.

Follow-up Sent

A volunteer followed up on the earlier case asking for an update on lifting restrictions on the Microsoft Store, noting Syria's sanctions status had changed.

Follow-up Sent

A fourth volunteer emailed Microsoft's export-controls team with the same request to enable service access for Syrian users.

Follow-up Sent

A third volunteer wrote to Microsoft's export-controls team with the same request, referencing the same sanctions-relief documentation.

Follow-up Sent

A second volunteer sent the same request to Microsoft's export-controls team, again citing the lifted sanctions.

Company Responded

Microsoft's export-controls team acknowledged the request, opened a case, and said it would provide an update within 24–48 hours.

Contacted Company

A community volunteer emailed Microsoft's export-controls team asking that access be enabled for Syrian users, citing the lifted US and EU sanctions. First outreach at the corporate level.

Follow-up Sent

Another community volunteer separately asked Microsoft to enable Syrian access to the Store, warning that the block pushes users toward unsafe third-party app sources.

Contacted Company

A community volunteer wrote to Microsoft's export controls team asking it to review Microsoft Store accessibility for Syria in light of updated US sanctions guidance.

Investigated

A community member reported the Microsoft Store blocked in Syria, with users unable to sign in or install apps.