Flash Player EOL can't delete Windows 10 files for removal

[jnka7008]

I'm trying to remove Flash player from my Windows 10 system. I can't delete the required files somewthing about needing permission from TrustedInstaller.

• For Windows operating system, download the official Uninstaller from Adobe.
• Make sure that you have closed all browsers, tabs or apps.
• Double-click on the downloaded Uninstaller.
• When prompted for confirmation, click on “Yes.”
• When complete, you will be asked to restart your computer to complete the process.
• For the last step, press the Windows key and ‘R’ to bring up the ‘Run’ command.
• In the “open” box, insert C:\Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash and hit “Enter.”
• This will open the specified folder. Delete all the files in this folder.
• Repeat the previous three steps, but open the folders and delete the content of:
  • C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Macromed\Flash
  • %appdata%\Adobe\Flash Player
  • %appdata%\Macromedia\Flash Player

[_maria_]

Microsoft has released an to remove the embedded version of Flash Player.  There is no need to modify file permissions.

Please refer to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4577586/update-for-removal-of-adobe-flash-player for the update to remove Flash Player.

More information from Microsoft is also available at https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2020/09/04/update-adobe-flash-end-support/

[jnka7008]

Maria,

Thanks! for your reply , but I still can't delete the four files in the
flash folder in the procedure.

jnka7008

[Test Screen Name]

The only way to delete the files is to apply Microsoft's patch. They are removed forever (no going back).

[Angus5E86]

Have the same issue with deleting those files.  

I have the most recent update to Windows 10 installed and still cannot delete the files without permission from TrustedInstaller.        Is there a specific patch I can access for this purpose and if so, can you possibly provide a link?     

thanks.   Angus

[_maria_ · Accepted solution]

You can run Microsoft's Update to Remove Flash Player: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4577586/update-for-removal-of-adobe-flash-player

Please read thru the document carefully before running the update to remove Flash Player.

The link the update files is in the Microsoft Update Catalog section, towards the bottom of the page.  There are a total of 43 different update/patch files for the various Windows versions.  You need to download the link that applies to your system, otherwise, the update may not work correctly.

If the pertinent Flash Player files aren't removed after running the update, contact Microsoft for assistance.

<edited to include more detailed information>

[Xynn5C73]

Wym? there's no executables in the link you gave...

[Xynn5C73]

Wym? how do i even update with the link you gave?

[Guest]

Help regarding this has to be updated.,

it is old an not clear.

[Test Screen Name]

Follow the link. READ THE PAGE. Go to the Microsoft update catalog from the link you will find there, and get the right version of the Microsoft patch. If the page is not useful, you need to complain to Microsoft. Their patch is the ONLY WAY, there are no other tricks.

[Guest]

My point is that Adobe keeps directing to help that isn't for windows 10. (you can read it clearly in that page)

They also tell people to go to the forum where is no solution either.

So Adobe should avoid this detour and improve help communication.

i want to warn people not to waste time on all this and to wait for a Microsoft solution.

[Test Screen Name]

The link given in these replies, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4577586/update-for-removal-of-adobe-flash-player, is a Microsoft page and tells us at the top it is for Windows 10. Really, I don't see what people are finding so hard.

[_maria_]

That's correct.  To remove the embedded version, you'll need to run Microsoft's update.  If you encounter issues running the update, please contact Microsoft for assistance.

[_maria_]

Can you claify which 4 files you are referring to, with their complete directory path?

[fritsste]

hi maria,

I have the same issue.

The 4 files are:

activex.vch

Flash.ocx

FlashUtil_ActiveX.dll

FlashUtil_ActiveX.exe

[Test Screen Name]

Thank you for the file names. Please give the full directory path for each one. (In other words, what folders are these files in?)

[_maria_]

Those files appear to be the IE/Edge embedded Flash Player ActiveX Control files.  Non-embedded Flash Player files have the version number in the file name.

If you've run Microsoft's update to remove the embedded ActiveX Control and artifacts remain, please contact Microsoft for assistance as it's their update.

[Jose L.0101]

Install the update KB4577586. You can download it from Microsoft Update Catalog. Choose the one corresponding your Windows version.