Since Adobe will end support of the Flash Player browser plugin on December 31, 2020, Microsoft is now making available the update KB4577586 to remove the plugin on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server.
According to the Microsoft support page, the update is available in advanced to test and validate the changes on systems. However, it’s not an update available through Windows Update. Instead, it’s an optional package that you must download and install manually.
Once the patch is applied to a device, Adobe Flash Player will be completely uninstalled, and you’ll no longer be able to reinstall the plugin.
If you choose to take this update and then realize that you still need Flash, you’ll have to use restore point to revert to an earlier point in time using a system restore point. You can use a previous backup. Or you can use the Reset This PC feature to reinstall Windows 10.
How to completely remove Adobe Flash Player from Windows 10
If you want to remove the Flash Player browser plugin before December 31, you need to download the standalone update that corresponds to your version of Windows 10 from the Microsoft Catalog Update. (Please note that this update doesn’t apply for version 20H2.)
- KB4577586 64-bit (for version 1903 or higher) | Download
- KB4577586 32-bit (for version 1903 or higher) | Download
Once you downloaded the .msu file to your device, double-click the file to launch the automatic installation process, click the Yes button, and the Close button.
After completing the steps, the browser plugin will no longer be available on your computer.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].