Do You Need Adobe Flash Player in 2020?

Do you still need Adobe Flash Player in 2020? We dive into why you might still need to download this software and if it’s safe.

In the conversation of the most common plug-ins for playing different kinds of content, the Adobe Flash Player is always in the mix. However, the Flash Player’s popularity continues to go down.

As for the reasons, there are many. But the most important one is the Flash Player’s susceptibility to online threats. These threats come in the form of viruses and cyber-attacks.

Hence, this question: Do you need Adobe Flash Player in 2020? Is Adobe Flash unsafe? Is it still worth keeping?

Continue reading below to find out the answers.

 

Do You Need Adobe Flash Player? Yes and No

Do you need an Adobe Flash player in 2020? The answer is both “yes” and “no.” But let us first make something clear: there is no urgent need for you to stop using Adobe Flash Player if you want to.

However, if you choose to keep it, make sure to use it with extreme caution. What you should do is to enable the “Ask First” or “Ask to Activate” setting in your browser. This will disable the Flash Player for most of the time during your browsing sessions.

However, it allows you to turn on the Flash Player whenever you are browsing sites that you know are safe and trustworthy.

You may also ask “what is Flash Player used for?” Using the Adobe Flash player still offers some perks. As we mentioned earlier, you can use it in playing different kinds of multimedia content.

Additionally, it plays them without interruptions. This means you can enjoy videos without any lagging or fading audio.

You can also use it to play different kinds of games. While gaming using the Flash Player, you can expect clear and crisp picture quality. It can even support games in 3D.

The Flash Player also adapted to the changing times. Before, you cannot use it in your mobile OS browser. Today, you can play games and watch videos using the Flash Player in your smartphones and tablets.

So do you need it? You may not. But it is also not bad having it on standby.

 

Checking Its Validity

If you decide to keep and use your Adobe Flash Player, it is a must that you update your plug-in regularly. This is because older versions of the Flash Player are highly susceptible to threats and attacks.

But first, you need to check the version you are currently using. To do this, go to the Flash Player’s Help page. From there, you will see if you are using the latest version or not.

And if you’re using a Mac computer, you can also check using Safari. Go to “Safari,” select “Preferences” then hit “Websites.” Go to the bottom left-hand column and look for “Plug-ins.”

There, you will also see the version you are currently using.

For Firefox users, go to “Firefox” and hit “Preferences.” Click on “Extensions & Themes” at the bottom. There, you will see “Shockwave Flash,” which is the listing for Adobe Flash Player.

Click on the “Details” tab to see the version you are using.

If you are a Google Chrome user, you don’t need to worry about updating your Flash Player. Chrome includes it when it updates your other plug-ins.

 

Perform a Safe Update

Is it safe to download the Adobe Flash Player Mac version and other operating systems? Yes, if you do it correctly.

If your validity check says that your version is old, that’s your cue for updating your Flash Player. Open your web browser and run a quick search. Look for the “Install” or “Download” button when on the official page and click it.

If you see that Adobe is also trying to install additional software, deselect these offers before downloading. Thereafter, go to your “Downloads” folder and double-click the “installation file.”

A set of instructions will appear. You should follow it to the detail to ensure the success of the update. Before downloading the new version, make sure to close your web browser first.

 

The Caveat with Updates

Though updating your Adobe Flash Player is important in fending off hackers, there is one crucial thing about updates you need to be aware of. Always update your Flash Player directly through legitimate vendors.

This is because scammers use malware to trick users into thinking that they are offering official Flash Player updates. This will render your Adobe Flash unsafe for use. Thus, your best and safest route is through the Adobe Flash Player’s official updates site.

Also, when you visit certain web pages and they ask you to install plug-ins, be extra careful. Never download plug-ins and updates from random pages. You always want to get as close to the official source as possible.

 

 

Uninstalling Your Flash Player

In case you decide that your Flash Player is no longer of any use, uninstalling it is quite easy. Open your browser and go to the Uninstall Flash Player portal. From there, download the uninstaller that applies to your computer’s operating system.

Run the uninstaller to delete the plug-in safely.

 

Adobe Flash in 2020 and Beyond

Back in 2017, Adobe already announced that it’s killing the Flash player this year. Come December 31, 2020, Adobe will no longer support it. This means they will stop sending new updates for the plug-in.

But this doesn’t mean your Flash Player will stop working altogether. It will still be there on your computer.

In line with this move, Adobe is encouraging all users to migrate to new open formats. The question now is what will happen to your Flash content beyond 2020? Generally, you will see all browsers easing out the plug-in within the year.

If you can still use it on your Chrome after December, then great. Though there is no guarantee. Hence, your only other option to play your Flash content is by using other Flash players.

Some of these options include Ruffle and BlueMaxima Flashpoint.

 

Learn About Other Plug-Ins

Do you need Adobe Flash Player in 2020? Maybe, maybe not. But if you can no longer use it, do not fret, as there are many other tools and plug-ins out there to explore.

Check out our different articles on various apps and plug-ins. Discover which ones you can use for your work, gaming, and other requirements.