Last updated: February 11, 2020
- Watch the Video: How to update Flash Player
Flash Player, also known as Adobe Flash Player and Shockwave Flash, is a free software developed by Adobe Systems. It is commonly used as a web browser plug-in to view content that was created on the Adobe Flash platform. Such content includes streaming audio and video. Flash Player was required to view YouTube content until Google made the move to default instead to HTML5 in January, 2015. For the past five years, the option to view YouTube content using HTML5 existed, but the default was Flash Player.
For the safety and security of your computer system, and also for the stability of web content you encounter that requires Adobe Flash Player, it is always best to update Flash Player to keep your installation current. To be certain your computer’s Adobe Flash Player version is up to date, visit: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Install Flash Player
Click the yellow Install now button. Please note that Adobe may include an Optional Offer to download and install additional software at the time you update Flash Player. If you do not want to accept the offer, be sure to uncheck the Optional Offer check box before clicking the Install now button.
After you click the Install now button, the installation process will initialize.
The installation package will download to your computer. Click the Save File button to proceed.
Please note that the name/version number of the Flash Player installer pictured above may vary depending on which version you are installing. The Flash Player installer will download to your computer. Once downloaded, double-click the Flash Player installer icon on your desktop to continue, or look in your web browser’s Downloads area.
If an Open File – Security Warning displays, click the Run button. If you encounter User Account Control on your Windows computer, input your administrator password to continue.
The Adobe Flash Player Installer dialog will launch. When prompted to Update Flash Player Preferences, choose the recommended Allow Adobe to install updates radio button if you would like to receive Flash Player updates in a timely fashion.
The installation sequence will begin, and a progress bar will display. The process may take a minute or more, so be patient.
Installation will begin shortly…
Adobe Flash Player: Downloading…
Adobe Flash Player: Installing…
Installed. Please restart your browser.
Click the Finish button to complete the installation, then restart your web browser.
Flash Player is included with Chrome & Edge
Certain web browsers, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, already have Flash Player built-in. As such, Chrome will automatically update itself when new versions of Flash Player are available. Nonetheless, it is always a good practice to check for updates yourself as you are ultimately responsible for keeping yourself safe while online.
Also read:
Although Google’s move to default YouTube content to HTML5 meant a significant reduction in the necessity for Flash Player, its need still remains. Other content, such as advertisements, rich Internet media, and some web-based applications, still require Flash Player in order to view them. HTML5 is a new web standard with wide support, where Flash Player is a proprietary software controlled by Adobe. In the wake of a rash of security vulnerabilities requiring out-of-cycle updates for the Flash Player plug-in, users requiring Flash Player should remain vigilant about keeping theirs current.
Also read:
February 11, 2020, Update. Adobe released security updates for Flash Player for Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS. These updates address vulnerabilities in Flash Player version 32.0.0.321 and earlier. Follow the instructions above for how to update Flash Player on your computer to Flash Player version 32.0.0.330. Also see How can I see which Flash Player version I have installed?
References for February 11, 2020, Adobe Flash Player Update
- Release Notes for Flash Player 32
- Adobe Security Bulletin: Security updates available for Flash Player
- US-CERT Alert: Adobe Releases Security Updates for Flash Player
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