When old imported download links fail but newly generated WooCommerce links work, inspect the link's order and email values before changing file permissions. WooCommerce 11.2 validates those values before looking up download access.
The download-handler change leaves standard generated links unchanged. It can expose malformed values in custom links or imported records. This guide is for that narrow case, not every missing download.
Preserve a failing example privately
Identify one affected order through your normal customer-verification process. Record the product, variation, download permission, original importer and error time. Treat the complete download URL as sensitive access information. Do not paste it into a public checker or share a screenshot containing its query string.
Compare the source of the failing link with a fresh link issued by the store for the same authorized purchase. Work on staging when changing imported data. Keep the original record so the mapping change can be reviewed.
| Test |
What it tells you |
| Old custom link fails; fresh issued link works |
Inspect the custom link builder or import mapping |
| Both fail for the same order |
Inspect entitlement, order identity and permission data |
| Guest works; account download fails |
Check account association and its displayed download |
| Access passes but file transfer fails |
Investigate storage or delivery separately |
Do not manually edit a URL until it appears to work. That can conceal a broken generator that will send the next customer another invalid link.
Correct the smallest responsible record
Check whether the importer stored an email value with an unexpected shape or built a link using the wrong order identifier. Compare field meanings, not just column names. The billing email, WordPress user email and external customer ID are not interchangeable.
If a fresh store-issued link solves the issue, replace the custom delivery method. If the permission record itself is wrong, repair the authorized record using a supported administrative or integration workflow. Keep an audit note explaining the entitlement you verified.
The 11.2 release notes warn that regenerating download permissions resets download counts and logs. Preserve those details and get the store owner's approval before choosing that operation. Do not regenerate all orders as a first response.
Entitlement: Correct purchase confirmed. Repair: Smallest responsible record. Limits: Counts and expiry reviewed. Denial: Other customer still denied. Explanatory checklist, not a customer test result.
Test access and denial
Use a synthetic downloadable product and two controlled customers. Check the order-email link and My Account Downloads for the authorized customer. Then check that the other customer has not gained access. Verify that limits and expiry still match the store's intended policy.
Fixing a failed download by making the underlying file public is not a successful access repair. It changes who can retrieve the product. Keep authorization checks in place while investigating delivery.
For missing permissions or expired access, follow the broader paid-download troubleshooting guide. HandL WP can repair the importer or link generator when the same defect affects multiple purchases. Bring a redacted mapping sample, not customers' complete access links.
References reviewed October 8, 2026. Examples are explanatory, not customer test results.