The requirement for Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) or later first became a critical standard for Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 (version 19.1) and subsequent releases
. This shift occurred because Adobe aligned its software support with Microsoft’s own lifecycle, which ended support for versions older than 1607. Core System Requirements
For versions of Photoshop (such as CC 2018) that require this specific Windows build, the following minimum specifications typically apply: Operating System
: Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) or later (64-bit version recommended). : Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64; 2 GHz or faster. : Minimum 2 GB (8 GB highly recommended). Hard Disk Space
: 3.1 GB available for 64-bit installation; extra space needed during setup. Monitor Resolution
: 1024 x 768 (1280 x 800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB dedicated VRAM. : OpenGL 2.0-capable system. How to Resolve Version 1607 Errors
If you encounter an error stating "Photoshop requires Windows 10 (version 1607) or later," follow these steps: Check Your Version , and press Enter to see your current Windows build. Update Windows Windows Update Assistant to force an update to the latest supported version. Clean Installation The requirement for Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version
: If you already have a newer version (like 20H2) but the error persists, use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to remove old conflicting files before reinstalling. Official Requirements Photoshop System Requirements Microsoft Support Update to Windows 10 Version 1607 Troubleshooting Adobe Community Discussion on 1607 Errors troubleshooting steps
for a specific error message you are seeing during installation? Photoshop requires windows 10 (version 1607) or later.
If you’ve ever tried to install a modern version of Adobe Photoshop on an older PC, you’ve likely hit a bizarre roadblock: “This requires Windows 10 version 1607 or later.”
At first glance, it looks like a typo or an arbitrary cutoff. But behind that specific number—1607, also known as the Windows 10 Anniversary Update—lies a fascinating story of software archaeology, hard dependency breaks, and a quiet revolution in how Windows handles graphics.
Title: Adobe Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607 or Later)
Message:
Adobe Photoshop (recent versions, including Creative Cloud 2020 and later) requires Windows 10 version 1607 (Anniversary Update) or newer to install and run properly.
Your current Windows 10 version is older than 1607.
To use Adobe Photoshop, please update your Windows 10 operating system to at least version 1607 (build 14393) or a later version.
What you need to do:
Check your current Windows version:
Press Windows Key + R, type winver, and press Enter.
Look for “Version” (e.g., Version 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2).
If your version is earlier than 1607, download and install the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (or a newer feature update). The Digital Fossil: Why Adobe Photoshop is Chained
Official Microsoft download link:
Download Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607)
Note:
- After clicking the link, use the “Update now” button to run the Windows Update Assistant.
- The Anniversary Update (1607) is no longer supported by Microsoft for security updates; we strongly recommend updating to the latest Windows 10 version (22H2) via the same link.
- If your PC cannot update to 1607 or newer, you may need to install an older version of Photoshop (e.g., CC 2015).
Need help?
Visit Adobe’s system requirements page:
Adobe Photoshop system requirements
Because direct download links from Microsoft change based on browser architecture, please use the official Microsoft portal:
🔗 Official Microsoft Download Link:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Instructions for getting Version 1607 specifically: After clicking the link
1607 or a date of 2016. (Alternate trusted mirror: Use the "Windows 10 Media Creation Tool" – when run, select "Create installation media for another PC" and note that v1607 is no longer the default; you may need to use the "Rufus" tool to download older builds).For a pre-verified 64-bit English ISO (direct from Microsoft servers - valid as of this writing):