Adobe Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update Version 1607 Link
Adobe maintains an archive of previous software versions within the Creative Cloud desktop app. If you are stuck on an older version of Windows 10 (pre-1607), you can try installing Photoshop CC 2017 or earlier.
As of 2025, Windows 10 version 1607 is ancient. It is no longer supported by Microsoft. Yet, that specific update acts as a digital fossil layer:
This means that every copy of Photoshop running today—even on Windows 11—is technically standing on the shoulders of that 2016 update. Microsoft never removed or changed those specific GDI calls, because Adobe threatened to break compatibility forever.
If your laptop is managed by a company IT department, they might have frozen your Windows version at 1507. You cannot bypass this – you need your IT admin to approve the Anniversary Update.
Released in August 2016, the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (build 14393) wasn't just another bug fix. It was a tectonic shift for developers. Microsoft introduced the Windows Ink platform and, more critically, overhauled the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) .
Sometimes the Windows Update service gets stuck and refuses to offer the Anniversary Update automatically. You can manually force the update:
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.
Introduction
If you’ve recently tried to install or run a newer version of Adobe Photoshop (especially Creative Cloud 2018 or later) on a Windows 10 PC, you may have encountered the following error message:
“Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607 or later).”
This message appears because Adobe has progressively dropped support for older Windows 10 builds. To ensure stability, security, and access to modern GPU-accelerated features, Photoshop now requires a minimum Windows 10 version — specifically the Anniversary Update (build 1607) or any newer version (e.g., 1809, 1909, 21H2, 22H2).
Why Does Photoshop Require Version 1607 or Later?
Adobe builds Photoshop using modern Windows APIs and graphics frameworks (like DirectX 12, DirectML for AI features, and Windows Ink for stylus input). These technologies were either introduced or significantly improved starting with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Older builds (such as version 1507 or 1511) lack the necessary system files and drivers to run Photoshop correctly. Adobe maintains an archive of previous software versions
How to Fix the Issue
1. Check Your Current Windows 10 Version
2. Update Windows 10 (Recommended)
3. Manually Download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (If automatic updates fail)
4. If You Cannot Update Windows
Important Note: Windows 10 Version 1607 is No Longer Supported by Microsoft
While 1607 is the minimum requirement for certain Photoshop versions, Microsoft ended support for version 1607 in April 2018 (except for LTSC editions). For security and performance, you should update to a newer, still-supported version of Windows 10 (e.g., 22H2) before installing Photoshop.
Where to Download the Required Update
If you specifically need the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) installer — for legacy testing or offline systems — use the following official Microsoft links:
⚠️ Security warning: Only download Windows updates from
microsoft.com. Third-party sites offering standalone 1607 update packages may contain malware.
Conclusion
The “Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607 or later)” error is easily fixed by updating your operating system. Always aim to run the latest stable version of Windows 10 (or upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware supports it) for full compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
If you still see the error after updating, restart your PC and re-run the Photoshop installer — it should then detect the newer Windows version and proceed normally. This means that every copy of Photoshop running
Adobe Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update Version 1607: What You Need to Know
If you're a user of Adobe Photoshop, you may have encountered an error message recently stating that your version of Windows 10 is no longer supported. This is because Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later to run. In this article, we'll explore what this means, why Adobe has implemented this requirement, and what you need to do to ensure you're running the correct version of Windows 10.
What is the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update, also known as version 1607, was released by Microsoft in August 2016. This update brought a range of new features and improvements to the operating system, including enhancements to the Start menu, Cortana, and Microsoft Edge. It also included updates to the Windows 10 kernel, which improved performance and stability.
Why does Adobe Photoshop require Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607?
Adobe has implemented this requirement to ensure that Photoshop users have a stable and secure platform to work on. The Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 includes several key features and updates that are necessary for Photoshop to run smoothly. These include:
By requiring Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later, Adobe can ensure that Photoshop users have a reliable and secure platform to work on.
What happens if I'm running an older version of Windows 10?
If you're running an older version of Windows 10, you may encounter an error message when trying to run Photoshop. This error message will likely state that your version of Windows 10 is no longer supported. In this case, you'll need to update to Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later to continue using Photoshop.
How do I check my version of Windows 10?
To check your version of Windows 10, follow these steps:
How do I update to Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607?
If you're running an older version of Windows 10, you can update to Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later by following these steps: Released in August 2016, the Windows 10 Anniversary
What if I'm not sure if my computer can run Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607?
If you're not sure if your computer can run Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607, you can check the system requirements for the update. These are:
You can also run the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant to check if your computer is compatible with the update.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later to run. This requirement ensures that Photoshop users have a stable and secure platform to work on. If you're running an older version of Windows 10, you'll need to update to Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later to continue using Photoshop. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily check your version of Windows 10 and update to the required version.
Additional resources
FAQs
Q: What is the minimum version of Windows 10 required for Photoshop? A: Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later.
Q: How do I check my version of Windows 10? A: Press the Windows key + R, type "winver", and press Enter.
Q: How do I update to Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607? A: Go to the Settings app, click on "Update & Security", click on "Windows Update", and click on "Check for updates".
The error message usually provides a link to resolve the issue, but users often find this process less than seamless. The link typically directs users to the Windows Update Catalog or a Microsoft Support page for "Servicing Stack Updates."
Here is why that link is often a source of anger: