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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,106
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer

I've been ignoring messages to update FlashPlayer and lately I've been getting messages that the progran is now at risk (of what, I don't know).  I'm not sure I need FlashPlayer as I don't do anything fancy on my PC.  Can I uninstall it without affecting anything major or should I be updating it?

"everybody counts or nobody counts"
Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,153
Registered: ‎05-22-2012

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer


@smokymtngal wrote:

I've been ignoring messages to update FlashPlayer and lately I've been getting messages that the progran is now at risk (of what, I don't know).  I'm not sure I need FlashPlayer as I don't do anything fancy on my PC.  Can I uninstall it without affecting anything major or should I be updating it?


 

You can always uninstall it now and then reinstall a newer version if you need it. It's always free. If you DO install or update it, make sure you download any updates from the Adobe website.

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,475
Registered: ‎04-28-2010

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer

Yes, go directly to their official site.  Don't click onto the pop-up/warning.  I've been (allegedly) hearing that it could be a risk, clicking onto a faux Adobe site.  Not sure, though.  But better to be safe.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,106
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer

Thank you ChynnaBlue and Romary! 

"everybody counts or nobody counts"
Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,672
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer

I don't think you can if you're using Windows8/8.1 because they integrated it into the OS.  I could be wrong, but that's the impression I've gotten from my own research.  I'm having a problem right now with having a slightly outdated version but I cannot get it to update.

 

With Win8/8.1, you can ONLY update it through Win UPdates.  I can't even go to Adobe and install an update or do an entire install.   Something got corrupted one day when I came here and I still haven't been able to fix it.  It just happened on this Win8.1 computer.  

 

All I can hope for is that the next important Win update that comes along will take and update the Adobe FP.  Frustrating, to say the least.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,460
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer

[ Edited ]

An updated version of Adobe Flash Player may protect  your computer from hackers and virus. The decision is yours.

Here is more info about the player from Kim Komando. http://www.komando.com/downloads/865/critical-adobe-flash-update-tool/2

Valued Contributor
Posts: 1,015
Registered: ‎07-16-2012

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer


@smokymtngal wrote:

I've been ignoring messages to update FlashPlayer and lately I've been getting messages that the progran is now at risk (of what, I don't know).  I'm not sure I need FlashPlayer as I don't do anything fancy on my PC.  Can I uninstall it without affecting anything major or should I be updating it?


When Windows 10 icon showed up in my tool bar several weeks ago I signed up to be notified when I could down load my free full version since I purchased an earlier Windows product (7). I have been seeing a reminder I will be notified when I can receive and today I got a notice Windows 10 is being released and I will be able to install soon. That notice also stated the new updated version of Adobe FlashPlayer must be installed in order to download Windows 10. Are you signed up for Windows 10? If so you need to update Adobe Flash Player. If you are signed up and when W10 is ready to download to your computer there should be a place to check for latest version of Adobe since that is a program  requirement for Windows 10. You do not want to remove Adobe Flash Player from your computer. Go to Adobe Flash Player website and read what funtions this program provides. It's a necessity.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,106
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer


@Nuttmeg wrote:

An updated version of Adobe Flash Player may protect  your computer from hackers and virus. The decision is yours.

Here is more info about the player from Kim Komando. http://www.komando.com/downloads/865/critical-adobe-flash-update-tool/2


Thank you nutmeg.  I did uninstall it but I'll go to the Adobe website and get the latest version now.  I uninstalled it on Mr. Smoky's computer too and then he found he needed it to play one of his games.  So we reinstalled it there.  With this experience I think it was better to uninstall it and then get the latest version from Adobe.  I honestly didn't know where the update messages were coming from and wasn't sure I trusted to click on them.them. 

"everybody counts or nobody counts"
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,106
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer

Happy Lady, I didn't sign up for Windows 10 yet, but this is good information.  Thanks!

"everybody counts or nobody counts"
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 110
Registered: ‎11-10-2010

Re: Can I Uninstall Adobe FlashPlayer

I'm never sure about those popups either.  I have Windows 8.1 and when I get a popup on my computer for flash player update, I go to the control panel and find the "Uninstall or change a program" window that shows all programs installed on my computer.  There, I single click on Adobe Flash Player and make note of the current version that's installed.  Then at the bottom of that window there are links, one of which is for "Update Information: (followed by a link)."  When I click on that link, it opens up Adobe Flash Player download and if the version shown there is higher than what's on my computer, then I click the download button.  This way has made it easier for me to know if it's legit.