If you have previously used jailbreak tools or third-party restoration utilities, your Windows hosts file might have been modified to point Apple’s verification servers to an inactive or third-party loopback IP address.
Never assume a firmware is signed. Before opening 3uTools, check live signing status using: 3utools error unable to request shsh hot
"Unable to request SHSH" in 3uTools is a common issue that typically occurs during the flashing (restoring) process, often around the 9% mark. It indicates that If you have previously used jailbreak tools or
Switch to a different USB port, preferably directly on your computer's motherboard (rear ports on desktops). It indicates that Switch to a different USB
Your firewall, antivirus, or host file is blocking the connection to Apple's TSS (Telesign Server).
Which are you trying to install (or downgrade to)? At what percentage (9%, 19%, 21%?) does the flash fail?
If you are working with an older, jailbroken device and trying to downgrade using saved local signatures, standard server checks will fail.