Adobe updated its system requirements to leverage modern Windows features and security protocols. If your system is running an older build (e.g., version 1507 or 1511), Photoshop will refuse to start until the OS is updated.
This article explains why this requirement exists, how to verify your current system, and provides resources to address the issue. Why Does Photoshop Require Windows 10 Version 1607? Adobe updated its system requirements to leverage modern
If you see this error, your computer falls into one of three categories: Why Does Photoshop Require Windows 10 Version 1607
, and press Enter. If your version is lower than 1607 (e.g., 1507 or 1511), Photoshop will not launch. Use Windows Update Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update Check for updates Run the Update Assistant : If standard updates fail, download the Windows 10 Update Assistant from the official Microsoft website by clicking Update now Free Up Disk Space Use Windows Update Settings > Update & Security
For software developers, this update represented an important baseline. It brought significant changes to the underlying architecture of the operating system, making it the minimum requirement for many advanced applications released after 2016.