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Eric22429379x18a
Participant
December 29, 2021
Answered

Can't uninstall Flash on Windows 11 (yes, that's correct)

  • December 29, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 2272 views

Hi all,

 

Somehow, "Flash Player 11 ActiveX" (version 11.3.300.268) has gotten installed on my brand new Samsung Galaxy Book Pro.  No idea how it got here -- I did install Adobe Acrobat DC and both are showing the same install date so... maybe?  Regardless, I'm trying to unsintall Flash but am receiving a Windows error:

 

"This app has been blocked for your protection" and references an unintaller msi -- 9b72721.msi

 

The modal/dialog is coming from "User Account Control" and, yes, I do have admin rights.

 

How can I get rid of this -- I do not want Flash on this PC.

 

Thanks!!

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer DeanUtian

The mesage comes up as Windows Defender SmartScreen is blocking the uninstaller file as it thinks it is suspicious. It does this from time to time with files that are actually OK.


There are a few ways to enable the uninstaller msi to run. Below is a video that shows how to do it via the Command prompt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lixgwsVNTm0


Another way is to go to the file in File Explorer and unblock the file. Here is a page with instructions on this approach.
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-app-has-been-blocked-your-protection-windows-10 

1 reply

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Community Expert
DeanUtianCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 29, 2021

The mesage comes up as Windows Defender SmartScreen is blocking the uninstaller file as it thinks it is suspicious. It does this from time to time with files that are actually OK.


There are a few ways to enable the uninstaller msi to run. Below is a video that shows how to do it via the Command prompt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lixgwsVNTm0


Another way is to go to the file in File Explorer and unblock the file. Here is a page with instructions on this approach.
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-app-has-been-blocked-your-protection-windows-10 

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    Eric22429379x18aAuthor
    Participant
    December 29, 2021

    Thanks so much Dean.  I had no idea Defender did this and thought it was something specfic to Flash.  Running the msi from the command prompt worked like a charm.  Now... if I could only figure out how Flash got there in the first place... 🙂

    D
    Community Expert
    DeanUtianCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 30, 2021

    Glad all has worked for you.

    It could be that Flash came already installed on your device. Flash was included by default with browsers in the past. 

    Anyway, enjoy your new device.

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