: If you are using a "Long-Term Servicing" version of Windows 10, you may be stuck on an older build by design. You would need to reinstall a standard Home or Pro version.
If you're running an earlier version of Windows 10, you can update to Windows 10 Anniversary Update by following these steps:
The error message typically occurs when your operating system's build is older than the minimum version required for modern Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Windows 10 64-bit (version 22H2) or Windows 11. (Note: 32-bit versions of Windows are no longer supported). RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB or more recommended).
On the same Microsoft download page, click under the "Create Windows 10 installation media" section. Launch the tool and accept the license terms. Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next. : If you are using a "Long-Term Servicing"
If you see the error message it is because modern versions of Photoshop (starting with CC 2018 v19.1) dropped support for older Windows builds that Microsoft no longer services. Key Insights for Users
By following the steps in this guide—checking your OS version, updating through Windows Update, and troubleshooting the Creative Cloud app—you can resolve the issue and get back to creating. If updating is not a viable option for you, remember that installing an older version of Photoshop or exploring web-based alternatives like GIMP or Photopea are excellent fallback solutions.
If you have already updated but the error persists, use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to remove leftover corrupted files before reinstalling.
Before updating, confirm which version you are currently running: Press , type winver , and hit Enter . Windows 10 64-bit (version 22H2) or Windows 11
Choose the option to to ensure you do not lose data.
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.
For a step-by-step walkthrough on how to fix this specific version error using the Windows Update Assistant:
Compatibility update for installing Windows 10, version 1607 On the same Microsoft download page, click under
According to Adobe, the reason for this requirement is to take advantage of the latest security features and performance improvements in Windows 10. By requiring Version 1607 or later, Adobe can ensure that Photoshop users have a secure and reliable operating system that can handle the demands of the software.
While the 1607 requirement was the initial hurdle, current versions of Photoshop have moved even further ahead: Photoshop Version Minimum Windows 10 Requirement Photoshop 2024/2025 Version 22H2 or higher Photoshop 25.x Version 21H2 or later Photoshop CC 2018 Version 1607 (Anniversary Update) hardware specifications can handle the latest Windows 10 update?
So (2020–2025) needs 1607.
When Adobe launched Photoshop CC 2018, users on older Windows 10 builds began encountering a specific error message:
According to historical software lifecycle documentation , Version 1607 has long passed its end-of-service date. If you plan to use the newest versions of Adobe products, keeping your operating system entirely current is no longer optional. For example, contemporary releases like Photoshop Elements 2026 drop support for Windows 10 entirely , requiring Windows 11 (Version 23H2 or later) alongside advanced hardware processors that support AVX2 extensions.