Adobe Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update Verified [ 2027 ]

This error message typically appears when trying to install or run certain versions of Adobe Photoshop (starting around CC 2018) on an outdated version of Windows 10 . Specifically, Adobe began requiring Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607)

The specific error message was a blocker—you could not bypass it. You could not run the installer in compatibility mode. This was a hard requirement. For freelancers and studios where "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" is a common mantra, this forced update disrupted the delicate balance of a production environment. adobe photoshop requires windows 10 anniversary update

Enterprise users on Windows 10 versions older than 2019 are often stuck. LTSC 2016 exists, but it lacks the Microsoft Store and specific media features Photoshop requires. Adobe officially recommends against LTSC, but if you are on LTSC 2015, Photoshop will refuse to run. This error message typically appears when trying to

Sometimes the built-in Windows Update gets stuck on "Checking for updates" forever. Use Microsoft's dedicated tool. This was a hard requirement

You turned off Windows Update months (or years) ago to avoid driver issues, forced reboots, or telemetry. Your system is running a very old build like or 1511 .