Fast forward just a few years and Flash is no longer the force it once was. Most sites have now transitioned over to the much faster HTML5, and Adobe is ending support for the plug-in at the end of 2020.
However, millions of Windows devices still have the technology installed, which could cause security issues moving forward. Here’s how to remove Flash from your PC once and for all.
How to remove Flash from Windows 10
Microsoft has released an update for Windows 10 that will remove Flash completely, but you won’t be able to download it from Settings. Here’s how to install the optional update:
Head to Settings > System and choose ‘About’ from the left paneUnder the heading ‘Device specifications’ note down the processor type listed next to ‘System type’ (In the screenshot below it’s x64-based)Scroll down to ‘Windows specifications’ and make a note of the Version number (in the screenshot below it’s 1903) In any browser, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog and find the correct update that’s compatible. Those for more recent versions are available on the second pageClick ‘Download’ from the far-right column A dialog box should appear. Click the link in blue to download itAfter a few seconds, double click the completed download in the bar at the bottom of the window When prompted, click ‘Yes’ to confirm you’d like to install the update After the installation has completed, restart your device to apply the changes
How to disable Adobe Flash Player in Microsoft Edge
Even after installing this update, the Flash Player component is still built into Microsoft’s Edge browser. Here’s how to turn it off:
Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top-right corner Choose ‘Settings’ and then ‘Site permissions’ from the left pane Under ‘Adobe Flash’, check the toggle next to ‘Ask before running Flash’ is set to off
That’s it! Most other web browsers now block Flash Player by default, so you no longer have to worry about the potential security risk.
If you still need Flash for a particular reason, here’s how to get it on Android. Check out more of our Windows How-Tos.
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
