| Photoshop Version | Minimum Windows version | |------------------|--------------------------| | Photoshop 2025 (v26.x) | Windows 10 22H2 (latest) – but still requires 1607+ base | | Photoshop 2024 (v25.x) | Windows 10 1607+ | | Photoshop 2023 (v24.x) | Windows 10 1607+ | | Photoshop 2022 (v23.x) | Windows 10 1607+ | | Photoshop 2021 (v22.x) | Windows 10 1607+ | | Photoshop 2020 (v21.x) | Windows 10 1607+ | | Photoshop CC 2019 (v20.x) | Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 (any) | | Photoshop CC 2018 and older | Works on older Windows |
So any modern Photoshop release (2020–2025) needs 1607.
It is easy to blame Adobe for "forcing upgrades," but there is a hard technical limit. Modern Photoshop uses GPU acceleration for everything:
If Adobe allowed installation on 1511, customers would complain about constant crashes, memory leaks, and security risks. The "version 1607" lock is a quality control measure, not a conspiracy.
If you are a creative professional or a hobbyist photographer, few error messages are as frustrating as the one that stops you dead in your tracks right before a deadline. Recently, many users attempting to install or launch modern versions of Adobe Photoshop (particularly the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 releases) have been greeted with a specific, hard stop:
"Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update -version 1607- or later."
For users running older builds of Windows 10 or Windows 8.1, this error is a common roadblock. But what does this message actually mean? Why does Adobe require such a specific old update? And most importantly, how do you fix it?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the "Version 1607" requirement, from the technical reasons behind it to step-by-step solutions.
If updates are blocked (company PC, unsupported hardware):
If you cannot update Windows at all:
Note: Photoshop 2024+ often requires Windows 10 version 22H2 or newer. Version 1607 is the absolute minimum for very old Photoshop releases (e.g., CC 2017).
The error message "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) or later" occurs when you attempt to install or run a version of Photoshop (typically CC 2018 or newer) on an outdated build of Windows 10. This requirement was introduced because Adobe aligned its support with Microsoft’s lifecycle, which ceased supporting Windows 10 versions 1507 and 1511 for modern application features. Technical Context of the Requirement
Photoshop CC 2018 (v19.1+): This version officially dropped support for Windows 10 builds older than 1607.
Modern Requirements: Current versions of Photoshop (e.g., CC 2025) now require much newer builds, such as Windows 10 version 22H2 or Windows 11 version 23H2.
Underlying Reason: Adobe requires specific OS features for hardware acceleration (DirectX 12), security protocols (TLS 1.2), and high-density monitor scaling that are only available in Anniversary Update or newer. How to Resolve the Version Conflict 1. Verify Your Current Version
To confirm your exact build, press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter. If the version listed is 1511 or 1507, your system is below the minimum requirement. 2. Standard Update Method
The most reliable fix is to update Windows to the latest available version rather than just trying to reach 1607, as newer builds are more compatible with current Adobe software.
Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Select Check for updates.
If available, select Download and install for any "Feature update". 3. Manual Update (If Automatic Fails) | Photoshop Version | Minimum Windows version |
If the standard update tool is stuck or unreliable, you can manually trigger an upgrade: Photoshop CC 2018 Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Edition
Do you get any kind of error message when trying to run photoshop? What version of windows 10 do you have? Press Win Logo key + R.
Compatibility update for installing Windows 10, version 1607
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. It is easy to blame Adobe for "forcing
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 error message appears because modern versions of Adobe Photoshop (specifically CC 2018 version 19.1 and later) require at least Windows 10 version 1607, also known as the Anniversary Update, to run. Adobe discontinued support for earlier versions, such as 1507 and 1511, to align with Microsoft’s own support lifecycle. Why This Happens
Technological Shift: Newer versions of Photoshop leverage system-level improvements found in version 1607 and higher, such as better high-density monitor support and updated graphics processor (GPU) handling.
Operating System Requirements: Current editions of Photoshop, like CC 2021 and beyond, often require even newer versions (e.g., version 21H2 or later) for full compatibility. How to Resolve the Error
If you are seeing this message, you generally have two main paths: 1. Update Your Operating System Adobe Photoshop | Specs, reviews and EoL info - InvGate
Q: I have Windows 10 Version 21H2, why am I seeing the 1607 error?
A: Your Registry is corrupt. Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (Admin). If that fails, your Windows is missing the "Universal C Runtime" (UCRT). Download the KB2999226 update manually from Microsoft.
Q: Does this error occur on Windows 7? A: No. Modern Photoshop simply refuses to install on Windows 7 entirely. The "Version 1607" error specifically implies you are on Windows 10, just an old version of it.
Q: Is Version 1607 still safe to use in 2026? A: No. Microsoft stopped supporting 1607 in April 2018 for consumer editions (and 2021 for LTSB). Running 1607 today exposes you to hundreds of unpatched vulnerabilities. You should update to 22H2 or Windows 11 immediately. If Adobe allowed installation on 1511, customers would