This requirement generally applies to the following specific releases:
Once your system shows a version number higher than 1607 (ideally 22H2 or Windows 11), restart your computer, open the Creative Cloud desktop application, and attempt the Photoshop installation again. It should proceed without any compatibility errors.
The error message is not arbitrary; it is rooted in software architecture. This requirement generally applies to the following specific
Microsoft released the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) in August 2016. It introduced critical under-the-hood changes to the Windows architecture, including improved memory management, better DirectX 12 integration, and updated visual frameworks.
If you are running an older build (such as the initial Windows 10 release), Photoshop may not start, or you may encounter stability issues. Adobe typically adheres to Microsoft's support lifecycle. How to Check Your Windows 10 Version Adobe typically adheres to Microsoft's support lifecycle
Alternatively, you can check via :
What did you see when running the winver command? including improved memory management
You are trying to install or update Adobe Photoshop, but a frustrating error message blocks you. It states that the software requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 or later.
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.
How to Fix the Adobe Photoshop "Windows 10 Anniversary Update Version 1607" Error
With version 1607, Microsoft introduced a new API set called and updated GDI+ to handle high-DPI displays (Retina/4K screens) without turning text into a blurry mess. They also fixed a decade-old bug where GDI objects would leak memory if used across multiple virtual desktops.