Adobe Photoshop Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Update Version 1607 Link «Essential»

The requirement for Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607)

marked a major shift in Adobe's support policy, specifically beginning with the Photoshop CC 2018 (v19.1) The Backstory: Following Microsoft's Lead

The transition was primarily a strategic alignment with Microsoft's own lifecycle policy. Sunset of Older Versions:

Adobe stopped supporting Windows 10 versions 1507 and 1511 because Microsoft had officially ended support for those builds. Technical Dependencies:

Version 1607 introduced critical under-the-hood features that Photoshop 19.1 required to function, including improved support for High-Density Monitors (HiDPI) Microsoft Surface Dial The "Hard Block":

While earlier releases like Photoshop 19.0 could still launch on older builds like 1511, the 19.1 update implemented a "hard block," triggering the now-famous error message if the OS version was lower than 1607. Common Friction Points

This requirement often catches users off-guard due to specific system or administrative constraints: The Update Loop: The requirement for Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version

Many users see this error even when Windows claims it is "up to date". This usually happens because Windows Update has failed to push the feature update, requiring a manual update Microsoft website Corporate Constraints:

Enterprise and LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) users often cannot update their OS due to IT policies, effectively locking them out of newer Photoshop versions until the entire organization upgrades. Legacy Hardware:

Older devices, like the Cintiq Companion 2, occasionally run into hardware-driver conflicts that prevent the OS from reaching version 1607, leaving them stuck on older Photoshop editions. Checking Your Version

To verify if your system meets this legacy requirement, you can: Windows Key + R

If your version is lower than 1607, you must upgrade your OS or remain on Photoshop CC 2017 or earlier. to bypass a stuck Windows Update?

Here’s a concise, shareable post you can use (e.g., forum, social, or comment) to help users needing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) link for Adobe Photoshop: Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard

Need to install Photoshop but getting “Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) required”? Download the official Microsoft update here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 — click “Update now” or use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade to version 1607+. After updating, retry the Photoshop installer. Backup your files and ensure you have disk space before upgrading.

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2. Missing Windows Media Feature Pack

If you are on Windows 10 N (European edition) or KN (Korean edition), you lack the Media Feature Pack. Photoshop needs certain codecs. Download the "Media Feature Pack for N versions of Windows 10 Version 1607" directly from Microsoft.

How to Check Your Current Version:

  1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
  2. Type winver and hit Enter.
  3. A window will appear displaying your version number. If it says anything lower than 1607, you must update.

2. Offline Update Installation

Sometimes the Windows Update service gets stuck and refuses to offer the Anniversary Update automatically. You can manually force the update:

  • Search Microsoft’s official site for the "Windows 10 Anniversary Update ISO" or Media Creation Tool.
  • Download the tool and select "Upgrade this PC now."
  • This bypasses the standard Windows Update check and forces the installation of version 1607.

Direct Link to Windows 10 Version 1607 (Anniversary Update)

Because direct download links from Microsoft change based on browser architecture, please use the official Microsoft portal: supported version (e.g.

🔗 Official Microsoft Download Link:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Instructions for getting Version 1607 specifically:

  • Open the link above using an iPad, Mac, or Android device (or change your browser's User-Agent to a non-Windows device). Microsoft will then offer you an ISO file download instead of the Update Assistant.
  • Click "Windows 10 (multi-edition ISO)"
  • Select the edition (Windows 10 Home/Pro)
  • Choose your language.
  • The download will begin. Look for file names containing 1607 or a date of 2016. (Alternate trusted mirror: Use the "Windows 10 Media Creation Tool" – when run, select "Create installation media for another PC" and note that v1607 is no longer the default; you may need to use the "Rufus" tool to download older builds).

For a pre-verified 64-bit English ISO (direct from Microsoft servers - valid as of this writing):

  • Note: Microsoft rotates links. The safest method is using the Media Creation Tool while disconnected from the internet after selecting "Keep personal files."

Part 2: The Official Download Link for Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607)

You do not need to scour torrent websites or questionable forums. Microsoft provides the official media for legacy updates through the Windows Software Download Dashboard (intended for developers and IT administrators).

Warning: Microsoft’s support for Version 1607 ended in April 2018 (for Home/Pro) and April 2019 (for Enterprise/LTSC). This means no security updates come with this version if you stop there. However, installing this version allows you to immediately run Windows Update to upgrade to a newer, supported version (e.g., 22H2) that also works with Photoshop.