Adobe Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update Version 1607 Link 90%

The error message is not arbitrary; it is rooted in software architecture.

For many years, Adobe Photoshop versions (specifically CC 2018 and CC 2019) were able to run on older versions of Windows 10 because they utilized standard system libraries present in the initial release. However, as Adobe introduced new features—specifically reliance on modern graphics hardware acceleration and updated C++ runtime libraries—they needed a more stable foundation.

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) represented a significant milestone in Windows development. It introduced updated Universal Windows Platform (UWP) APIs and specific backend changes that Photoshop relies on to function without crashing. Without version 1607, the installer detects missing core components and halts the process to prevent immediate software failure. The error message is not arbitrary; it is

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. This means that every copy of Photoshop running

Before we hand over the link, it is important to understand the technical "why."

In August 2016, Microsoft released the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607, Build 14393) . This was not just a minor patch. It introduced deep-level graphics architecture changes, specifically: If you are running an older build (such

If you are running an older build (such as Version 1511 or the original Windows 10 release 1507), the required system libraries literally do not exist on your PC. Adobe cannot patch this—Microsoft must update the OS.

Important Note: If you are running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, the Anniversary Update will not work for you. You must upgrade to Windows 10 first.