Final answer:
The inability to download but view files on Microsoft Windows might stem from restricted user permissions or security protocols to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, it may relate to planned obsolescence, with newer systems supporting features that force users to upgrade for compatibility reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Microsoft Windows users are unable to download files but can view them, it's often due to the permissions set on the user's account or the files themselves. Being able to view but not download files can be a result of restricted user rights, which are implemented to protect the integrity of the files or the system. In some cases, such as with enterprise networks, this can be due to security protocols that permit viewing access but restrict downloading to prevent data loss or leaks.
Additionally, the issue could be related to planned obsolescence in software programs. As systems update, older versions sometimes cannot handle new file formats or protocols introduced in the newer versions. As a result, users may find themselves pressured into upgrading their systems to ensure compatibility, in a similar way to how the release of new operating systems often entails only modest innovations but significant compatibility shifts, compelling users to upgrade to maintain functionality with new files.