PSA: Microsoft's update to remove Adobe Flash Player may still require you to remove it manually

Adobe’s Flash Player was once the darling of the internet because of the various capabilities it offered both users and developers in terms of user experience and features. However, as with every complex piece of technology that grows over time, the software developed security flaws and was eventually abandoned by more efficient and powerful web technology. Adobe finally dropped support for Flash Player on December 31 last year, so you should have already removed it from your system.

Also read: How to remove Adobe Flash from your computer now that it’s dead

Microsoft realises that there are a substantial number of users that remain unaware of the security risks involved with running old software that has not received any updates, so the company has released a special update (KB4577586) that is currently rolling out to users. The update weighs in at 160 KB and is titled Update for Removal of Adobe Flash Player for Windows 10 (or Windows Server).

However, the update may not be enough to remove the software completely from your computer, according to Microsoft’s notes on the update’s dedicated support page. Microsoft says that if you installed Flash from another source, then you’ll need to follow the Adobe’s instructions to remove the software, on their site, or just refer to our own guide here.

Read more: Goodbye Flash: Adobe Flash receives its last and final update

“This update only removes Adobe Flash Player that was installed by your version of Windows. If you installed Adobe Flash Player manually from another source, it will not be removed,” the company says, adding that once you install this update it cannot be uninstalled and the only way to revert is by restoring to a previous System Restore point or by reinstalling Windows and then avoiding installing the KB4577586 update.