New Microsoft update forces Flash Player removal for good

Microsoft is currently pushing forward an older update that forces users to remove Flash Player for good from their Windows 10 devices.

KB4577586 was initially rolled out last autumn and included in the Microsoft catalog as Update for Removal of Adobe Flash Player (followed by the OS version and specs).

Whereas back then it was an optional update, now it’s been not just brought to the top of the catalog list, but also included in the automatic updates launched last week.

Will I be able to keep Flash Player?

In other words, users that have postponed or have been reluctant to uninstall Flash Player traces will now have no choice.

The update will be visible to more and more uses in the following weeks, in the Update& Security section of their devices’ settings.

If you’re keen on using this update now, you can download it straight from the official catalog.

Note that the update applies to Windows 10, version 1903, and later, and it can’t be uninstalled. Similarly, Flash Player support can’t be restored after this change.

On the other hand, according to a support document, the patch is designed to remove Flash Player installed by Microsoft only and it won’t affect any versions of the software that have been installed manually by you via third-party software.

This is yet another step forward to eliminate Flash Player support. As of January 2021, major browsers have excluded it so that Flash content is no longer usable.

While many users are nostalgic about Flash games or similar content, HTML5-based content replacing it is actually safer.

Also for digital safety reasons, don’t forget to get your Patch Tuesday updates. They come with important security adjustments.

If you’re keen to share your non-Flash experience with us, we’d be happy to read it. Feel free to use the comments section.