Q: Can I just download Photoshop CS6 or an older version to avoid this requirement? A: Yes, but Adobe no longer supports CS6 (ended in 2017). More importantly, CS6 will not run reliably on modern hardware with high-DPI screens. You need version 1607 to run any Photoshop release from 2018 onward (including the current 2025 versions).
Q: Is there a "portable" Photoshop crack that skips the version check? A: Do not attempt this. Cracked versions that bypass the OS check almost always corrupt the GPU drivers leading to "Unrecoverable error" crashes. The version check exists because Photoshop will literally break on old Windows builds.
Q: I have Windows 11. Do I need Version 1607? A: No. Windows 11 is build 22000+. It exceeds the requirement. If you see this error on Windows 11, run Windows Update to install the latest cumulative update.
Q: The download link keeps giving me Windows 11 instead of 1607. A: Microsoft aggressively pushes Windows 11. Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, run it, select "Create installation media for another PC," and uncheck "Use recommended options for this PC." Then select "Windows 10" and "Version 1607" from the dropdown (if visible). If not visible, use the Rufus tool to download the ISO manually from Microsoft's servers using the script feature.
Note for Enterprise Users: If your computer is managed by an organization, the Windows 10 Anniversary Update may be blocked by your IT administrator. You will need to request an exemption or ask for your workstation to be updated to meet the software requirements.
Older installers of Photoshop CC 2018/2019 check for a specific digital certificate that expired. Workaround: Set your system clock back to January 1, 2020 before running the Adobe installer, then change it back after install.
The error message "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) or later" typically appeared during the launch or installation of Photoshop CC 2018 (version 19.1) and newer releases. Why this happens
Adobe made this a requirement to align with Microsoft's own support lifecycle. By requiring version 1607, Adobe ensured that Photoshop could utilize modern OS features and security patches that were not available in earlier builds of Windows 10, such as version 1511 or the original 1507. How to Resolve the Error
If you encounter this message, your current version of Windows 10 is too old to run that specific version of Photoshop. You can resolve this using the following methods:
Standard Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
Windows Update Assistant: If your computer says it is "up to date" but still shows an older version (like 1511), use the Windows Update Assistant to force the update. Q: Can I just download Photoshop CS6 or
Verify Your Version: Press Win + R, type winver, and hit Enter to see your current build number. Special Considerations Photoshop CC 2018 Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Edition
This error primarily affects users of Photoshop CC 2018 (version 19.1) and later, as these versions mandate Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) as the minimum operating system. Key Information & Blog Resources
Official Requirement Detail: Starting with Photoshop CC 19.1, Adobe updated its requirements to follow Microsoft’s support lifecycle, which dropped support for Windows 10 versions 1511 and earlier.
System Requirements Guide: For a comprehensive look at how these OS requirements fit into general hardware needs, the Photoshop System Requirements: A Hands-On Guide on Udemy provides a clear breakdown of minimum and recommended specs.
Troubleshooting the Error: If you receive this message while your Windows is seemingly up to date, it is often due to corrupted installation files or being stuck on a specific build (like an Enterprise version that restricts updates).
Adobe Community Discussion: A highly active thread on the Adobe Support Community details specific fixes for this error, including using the Windows Update Assistant. How to Check Your Version To verify your current Windows 10 build: Press Win + R. Type winver and hit Enter.
If your version is lower than 1607, you must update your OS to run newer versions of Photoshop. Photoshop CC 2018 Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Edition
The error "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607" is not a bug; it is a hard stop to protect you from a broken experience. The solution is simple: upgrade your Windows foundation.
Use the official links provided in Part 2 to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607). Install it, run Windows Update immediately to get to a modern secure version (like 22H2), and then install Photoshop without a single error.
Remember the golden rule: Never, ever download the "Anniversary Update" from a third-party torrent site. The link provided above is your only safe path to running the world’s most powerful image editor. Note for Enterprise Users: If your computer is
Having specific trouble? Drop the error code from your Windows Update log in the comments below (if republishing) or consult the official Adobe Community help forums.
The error message "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later" typically appears when you try to install or run a modern version of Photoshop on an outdated build of Windows 10. Version 1607 (Anniversary Update) was released in 2016 and is the absolute minimum requirement for versions like Photoshop CC 2018. 🛠️ Step 1: Check Your Current Version
Before downloading anything, confirm exactly which version of Windows you are running. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard. Type winver and press Enter.
A window will pop up showing your Version (e.g., 1511, 1607, 22H2).
If your version number is lower than 1607, you must update to use Photoshop. 🚀 Step 2: How to Update Windows There are two primary ways to resolve this requirement: Option A: Use Windows Update (Recommended)
This is the safest way to get the latest stable version of Windows. Click the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon). Go to Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for updates.
Install all available feature updates until your version is at least 1909 or higher (current versions of Photoshop often require 22H2). Option B: Use the Windows Update Assistant
If the standard update tool isn't working, you can force the update manually. Visit the official Microsoft Download Windows 10 page.
Click the Update now button to download the Windows Update Assistant.
Run the tool and follow the prompts to upgrade your system to the latest compatible version. ⚠️ Important Compatibility Notes The error "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary
Modern Photoshop versions (2024/2025) now require much higher versions than 1607. Most currently require Windows 10 version 22H2 or Windows 11.
32-bit vs. 64-bit: Photoshop CC 2019 and later only support 64-bit versions of Windows. If you have a 32-bit OS, you cannot run newer Photoshop versions.
Hardware limits: If your PC is very old, it may not be able to handle the Anniversary Update or newer. In this case, you may need to install an older version of Photoshop (like CS6 or early CC versions) that supports your current OS. 🔍 Troubleshooting the Error
If you are already on a version higher than 1607 but still see the error: Photoshop 2020 how to install/update - Adobe Community
Here’s the full content you can use for a page or popup message regarding Adobe Photoshop requiring Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607 or later) — including the official Microsoft link.
Press Windows Key + R, type winver, press Enter.
If you are on hardware that cannot support newer Windows updates, or if you are restricted by corporate policy, you have two alternative paths.
If you are reading this, you have likely just tried to install a newer version of Adobe Photoshop (particularly Creative Cloud versions from 2018 to 2022) and were greeted by a frustrating, blocking error message:
"Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) or later."
You clicked "OK," but Photoshop closed. No installation. No workaround inside the app. Just a digital brick wall.
This article is your complete solution. We will explain exactly why this error happens, how to check your current Windows version, and—most importantly—provide the official direct link to download the required Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) so you can finally install and run Adobe Photoshop.