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A
Anonymous
November 18, 2014
Answered

does the flash uninstaller uninstalls ALL versions of Flash player?

  • November 18, 2014
  • 1 reply
  • 480 views

Hi all, I noticed that when I install a new version of Flash Player, the old version stays and can be seen in Programs and Features.

my main question is : does the Flash uninstaller available on Adobe.com uninstalls all versions of Flash, thus cleaning Flash entirely from the system?

a couple of side questions:

- can i use any old Flash uninstaller to accomplish the uninstallation of my current Flash?

- why doesn't the new Flash auto uninstall the old Flash upon successful installation?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer jeromiec83223024

    It's complicated. 

    Flash Player is a built-in component of Internet Explorer on Windows 8 and higher, and on Google Chrome.  Running the uninstaller will not remove these, because they're not under our control.

    For the other browser plug-ins, running the uninstaller should clean them up.

    Flash Player upgrades replace the installed Flash Player.  We ship monthly, so leaving every old version installed on your machine would be pretty ridiculous after a very short time.  Also, each new version includes important security fixes, so you always want to be browsing the web with the latest Flash Player.

    Is there something specific you're looking to accomplish?

    1 reply

    jeromiec83223024
    jeromiec83223024Correct answer
    Inspiring
    November 19, 2014

    It's complicated. 

    Flash Player is a built-in component of Internet Explorer on Windows 8 and higher, and on Google Chrome.  Running the uninstaller will not remove these, because they're not under our control.

    For the other browser plug-ins, running the uninstaller should clean them up.

    Flash Player upgrades replace the installed Flash Player.  We ship monthly, so leaving every old version installed on your machine would be pretty ridiculous after a very short time.  Also, each new version includes important security fixes, so you always want to be browsing the web with the latest Flash Player.

    Is there something specific you're looking to accomplish?

    A
    Anonymous
    November 19, 2014

    well, as the uninstaller is usually the same name (uninstall_flash_player.exe), I was wondering whether 'mistakenly' using 14.0.0.176's uninstaller will uninstall 15.0.0.189 or 15.0.0.223 successfully. (din dare to try it so far...)

    this is also a leadup to a question regarding Shockwave player not uninstalling its old versions.

    I can see both Shockwave 12.1..0.150 and 12.1.4.154 in my Programs n Features in Win7.
    but I will understand if I need to ask the Shockwave query in the correct sub forum

    _maria_
    _maria_
    Legend
    November 19, 2014

    Hi lungrisser,

    If you use the MSI installer then you'll need to use the latest uninstaller as older uninstaller won't completely remove newer versions installed using the MSI installer. Either way, it's always better to use the latest uninstaller, instead of an older one.


    For your shockwave Player question, you'll need to ask that in the Shockwave Player forums.

    --

    Maria

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