Error "The specified program requires a newer version of Windows"

This article provides a resolution for the error "The specified program requires a newer version of Windows".

Applies to: Visual Studio 2015

Symptoms

You want to install Visual Studio 2015 on a computer that already has Windows 7 SP1 or newer installed, but you receive the following error message:

The specified program requires a newer version of Windows

Resolution

You may receive this error during a Visual Studio 2015 installation due to automatically applied compatibility settings that lower the Windows run-time incorrectly. To work around this issue, follow these steps to remove compatibility settings in the Visual Studio installer:

1. Right-click the Visual Studio Installer icon.
2. Select Properties > Compatibility.
3. Select Change settings for all users.
4. Uncheck Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select your operating system.
5. Select Ok.
6. Exit the configuration window.
7. Launch Visual Studio Installer again.