Adobe Flash was already dead, but an upcoming Windows update will kill it some more

Adobe Flash Banner
Adobe Flash Banner (Image credit: Adobe)

What you need to know

  • Adobe Flash will be removed from Windows 10 by July 2021.
  • Microsoft outlines the update process that will remove Flash in a blog post.
  • Older versions of Windows will have Flash removed as well, including Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012.

The update that permanently removes Adobe Flash from Windows 10 will roll out at some point in July 2021.

  • Starting in June 2021, the KB4577586 "Update for Removal of Adobe Flash Player" will be included in the Preview Update for Windows 10, version 1809 and above platforms. It will also be included in every subsequent Latest Cumulative Update.
  • As of July 2021, the KB4577586 "Update for Removal of Adobe Flash Player" will be included in the Latest Cumulative Update for Windows 10, versions 1607 and Windows 10, version 1507. The KB will also be included in the Monthly Rollup and the Security Only Update for Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Embedded 8 Standard.

As explained by Microsoft, even older versions of Windows will receive the update that removes Flash. The company also notes that any PC upgraded to Windows 10 version 21H1 or later will have Flash removed.

Since we've known about the death of Flash for quite some time, we've had time to reminisce about the tool. Our senior editor shared his ode to Adobe Flash at the end of last year.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.