Adobe Photoshop relies on modern system APIs and performance improvements introduced in Windows 10 version 1607. Older builds (including Windows 8, 7, and early Windows 10 versions) are no longer supported.
A window will pop up showing your Windows version and build number. If it says Version 1507 or 1511, your system is outdated. 2. Run Windows Update
Locate the folder and delete it (this clears cached application data). Adobe Photoshop relies on modern system APIs and
User and enterprise impact For individual creators, the requirement can feel like a nuisance: older machines or tightly controlled enterprise environments may not be able or permitted to upgrade. That friction can block upgrades or force workarounds (running older Photoshop builds, using virtual machines, or dual-booting). For IT administrators, a clear minimum OS version simplifies deployment planning: they know which baseline to standardize on for support and driver certification. Conversely, it can create upgrade pressure, increasing support workload and sometimes necessitating hardware refreshes.
The error "Adobe Photoshop requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) or later" If it says Version 1507 or 1511, your system is outdated
This requirement was introduced primarily with . Below are the specific features and technical reasons why this operating system version became a mandatory baseline.
Visit Adobe’s system requirements page or contact Adobe Support. User and enterprise impact For individual creators, the
You must update your operating system.
Newer Photoshop versions rely on system-level features like advanced GPU acceleration and the latest DirectX 12 drivers, which are not available in older Windows builds.
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.
: The Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application has cached old system data or contains corrupted installation files. Step-by-Step Solutions