Microsoft released a new update for the Windows 10 users that is going to remove the Adobe Flash Player from Windows. Microsoft made it "optional" at this moment. That means it won't be offered to you via the Windows Update Service until next year.
But, if you want, you can download the update package from the Windows Update Catalog and manually install it on your system.
Adobe already confirmed the end of support of the Flash Player by December 2020. They are also going to stop the support of browser Flash plugins. At this time, as announced by Microsoft earlier, killing off Flash completely from Windows operating system is a legitimate step.
Initially, though the removal plan is completely optional, by next year the Redmond firm will forcefully stop the support.
Follow the steps mentioned below to download and install Microsoft's update package to remove Flash support from your device:
- Navigate to Windows Update Catalog for KB4577586.
- Click the "Download" button next to the operating system version that you are using.
- Double click on the downloaded .MSU package to begin the installation.
- Once done, restart your system for the changes to take effect.
As this update can't be undone, you will have to revert reset or reinstall your operating system in case you want flash added back to the system after the removal. So, think twice before manually removing the Flash support now. Otherwise, wait for a few months. Microsoft will forcefully remove that automatically in any future updates.