1) Yes, Windows is fully updated to the latest everything, including .NET Framework...
2) I have an open case with Adobe on this... According to them, my hardware/software combination exceeds the requirement to run the Creative Cloud Desktop and every known Adobe CC application. They are currently out of ideas... I spent hours on chat with support personnel...
As an aside, and what WILL become a separate issue. After installing the latest graphics drivers, the Intel HD Audio has disappeared... not wasn't updated... DISappeared, as in no longer present in the Device Manager under Audio and when following the instructions to install Display Audio, there is nothing to install on... Intel HD Audio does show in the System section of device manager... but it is gone from Sound... only the Realtek HD is there now... used to be both... just like in the Display Adapter section.
I'll tell you what.. In the 5 years between laptop purchases, the ease of driver installation seems to have gone down, and the cooperation between vendor and laptop maker seems to have also diminished... I've NEVER had this much trouble getting a new system fully setup and functional. Seems we've taken great leaps forward in tech, and steps backwards in customer experience.... and I've been in this business for 30 years now.