Adobe — Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update -version 1607- |verified|
To resolve the error "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) or later," you must update your operating system to a supported build. This requirement typically appears when attempting to install or run Photoshop CC 2018 (version 19.1) or newer on an outdated version of Windows 10, United States. Why This Error Occurs
Adobe aligned its support cycle with Microsoft. When Microsoft stopped supporting initial Windows 10 builds (like version 1507 or 1511), Adobe also phased them out to ensure software stability and security.
Version 1511 and Earlier: These versions are incompatible with Photoshop CC 19.1 and later.
Version 1607 (Anniversary Update): This is the absolute minimum "entry point" for mid-2018 versions of Photoshop.
Modern Requirements: For the most recent releases (e.g., Photoshop 2025), Adobe now requires much newer versions, such as Windows 10 version 22H2 or higher. How to Fix the Version Error
If you are seeing this message, use the following steps to update your system or find a compatible software version. 1. Check Your Current Version
Press the Windows Logo key + R, type winver, and press Enter. If the version number is lower than 1607 (such as 1507 or 1511), your OS is too old for the software. 2. Update via Windows Update Assistant To resolve the error "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows
If standard Windows Updates are not appearing or failing, download the Windows 10 Update Assistant. This tool forces your computer to find and install the latest available feature updates. 3. Use a Windows 10 ISO (Advanced)
If your system is significantly outdated (over 4 years old), standard updates may fail. In these cases, downloading a Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft and running the setup.exe within the ISO can perform an "in-place upgrade," preserving your files while updating the OS core. 4. Revert to an Older Photoshop Version
If your hardware cannot handle a newer version of Windows, you can install a legacy version of Photoshop that supports older OS builds: Open the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app. Navigate to the Apps section and find Photoshop.
Click the three dots (...) or the drop-down arrow next to "Open/Install."
Select Other Versions to see a list of compatible legacy installers. Troubleshooting Continued Installation Issues
If you have already updated to a version newer than 1607 (e.g., 21H2 or 22H2) but still see the error: YouTube·Easy Solution Required: Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) or
Troubleshooting "Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607)"
When launching Adobe Photoshop, users on older operating systems may encounter the error: "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary update (version 1607) or later. Upgrade for free to a newer version to run Photoshop". This requirement was introduced starting with Photoshop CC 2018 (version 19.1), as Adobe aligned its support with Microsoft’s own lifecycle for older Windows builds. Why This Requirement Exists
Windows 10 version 1607 (codenamed "Redstone 1") was a major milestone released in August 2016. Modern versions of Photoshop rely on system-level architecture and drivers—such as DirectX 12 support—that are only present in version 1607 or newer. Adobe typically only provides technical support and security fixes for the current and one previous version of its software, necessitating a modern OS. How to Fix the Error 1. Verify Your Current Version
First, confirm which version of Windows you are currently running: Press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter.
If your version is lower than 1607 (e.g., version 1507 or 1511), you must update to launch modern Photoshop versions. 2. Run Windows Update The simplest fix is to use the built-in update tool:
Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. a legacy medical device
Click Check for updates. The Anniversary Update should appear as a "Feature update to Windows 10, version 1607" or later. 3. Use the Windows Update Assistant
If the standard update settings incorrectly claim your device is "up to date," you can force the update: Photoshop requires windows 10 (version 1607) or later.
This requirement was introduced primarily with Photoshop CC 2019 (version 20.0). Below are the specific features and technical reasons why this operating system version became a mandatory baseline.
What it’s telling you:
- Required: Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) or newer.
- Your current Windows version is older than 1607.
8. Common Myths Cleared
-
Myth: “I have Windows 10, so it works.”
→ False. Early Windows 10 builds (1507, 1511) are not compatible. -
Myth: “I can bypass this with compatibility settings.”
→ False. Required OS APIs are missing; can’t be emulated. -
Myth: “Photoshop Elements doesn’t need 1607.”
→ Photoshop Elements (2024) also requires 1607.
What If I Can't Update Windows?
Some users cannot update. Perhaps you are on a locked corporate PC, a legacy medical device, or a cheap laptop that doesn't have driver support for newer Windows builds. What are your options?
- Roll back Photoshop: You cannot install Photoshop 2023 or 2024. However, Adobe Photoshop CS6 or Photoshop CC 2015 will install on Windows 7 and early Windows 10 builds. You lose AI features, but you retain core editing tools.
- Use Photopea: The web-based editor (Photopea.com) mimics Photoshop's UI and works on any browser, regardless of your Windows version.
- Switch to GIMP: The open-source GNU Image Manipulation Program runs perfectly on Windows 10 version 1511.
