How To Install Adobe Flash

While HTML5 is quickly becoming a more popular platform, there is still some online content that requires Adobe Flash Player. Luckily, it's a free software that's easy to install on a laptop or desktop computer. If you've been getting error messages from video streaming or gaming sites saying that you need the latest version of Flash, simply follow these instructions.

How to Install Flash Player on a PC

1. Make sure your computer is running Windows XP or later
2. Go to get.adobe.com/flashplayer
3. If you don't want McAfee Security Scan, uncheck all boxes
4. Click "Install now"
5. Once downloaded, launch the installer
6. Choose whether or not you want updates
7. Click "Next"
8. Close any windows that interrupt the process
9. When installation is complete, click "Finish"

How to Install Flash Player on a Mac

1. Make sure your computer is running Mac OSX or later
2. Go to get.adobe.com/flashplayer
3. Click "Download now"
4. A new window will appear
5. Double-click "Install Adobe Pepper Flash Player"
6. Click "Open" then click "Install"
7. If your computer is protected, enter your password
8. Click "Install Helper"
9. When prompted, choose whether or not you want updates
10. When installation is complete, click "Done"

How to Use Adobe Flash Player on Mobile

More Information

If you like to play games or watch videos online, you may have come across a frustrating error message saying that the content you're trying to access requires the latest version of Flash. These can be annoying, but there's a simple solution: installing the software.

Adobe Flash is an add-on piece of software, originally created by Macromedia. It is developed and issued free of charge by Adobe. There are versions available for all major web browsers and operating systems.

The Flash Player is built-in for many browsers, but it may not be a default component of others. In that case, you'll have to get it yourself. You can use the following steps to install this plugin.

The first thing you must do is to go to Adobe Systems' official website. This way, you can avoid acquiring the malware or adware that often comes with fake software.

When you are at the homepage, look for the menu at the lower part of the site. Just below the social media logos, you should see links for a few different products. Click on the one for "Adobe Flash Player" and you will be taken to the installation page.

Prior to obtaining the Flash Player, make sure that your desktop or laptop computer meets the system requirements. If you have a PC, it must be running on Microsoft Windows XP or later. Not only that, you should be using the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or Google Chrome.

Next, you will see optional offers for McAfee Security Scan Plus and Safe Connect. You can get these for free along with Adobe Flash. But if you don't want them, be sure to uncheck the proper boxes so they are no longer selected.

Now, you are about to get the plug-in. When you are ready, simply choose the yellow "Install now" button. Note that once you do this, it automatically means you have read and agree to Adobe Software Licensing Agreement. The file is less than 30 megabytes, so it should only take a short time to finish the download.

Once it is completed, you can click on the installer to initiate the setup. The installation window pops up. Initially, you will be asked whether you want to allow Adobe to make automated updates, or if you prefer to be notified first, or if you do not wish to get the latest versions in the future. After making your choice, select "Next."

You must make sure that you don't have any browsers running during this step. This might cause the installation to get interrupted. If this happens, close all windows, then choose "Continue." When it is done, select the "Finish" button. It will take you to a webpage indicating that the Flash Player is up and ready.

If you are installing this plugin for your Mac, you need to do a few things differently. Go to Adobe's website and make sure your computer meets all the system requirements. It should be running on OS version 10.9 or later and have the latest version of Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera.

When you are ready to get the installer, select "Download now." Wait for the installation to be completed. Once it is done, click on the DMG file located at the lower left of the screen. This action causes a new window to appear.

Next, select the "Install Adobe Pepper Flash Player" icon with a double-click. Your Mac is going to ask for your permission to access the file. Just choose "Open" and another message will appear. Ticking the little box is an indication that you have read and agree to the terms of the license agreement. After this, click the "Install" button.

If your Mac is protected, you have to input your password then select "Install Helper." The setup will now initialize. It takes only a few seconds for it to be completed. When it is about to finish, a new window appears on your screen, and you have to choose your update preference. Afterwards, click "Done." The Flash Player is now ready.

Although Adobe encourages the use of HTML5 in place of Flash, users still might prefer the latter for several reasons. First, high-quality videos can be viewed more easily. They become less laggy because they consume less RAM. Streaming is also a breeze. You can listen to audio with little or no buffering. In addition, online games can be played minus the threat of glitches. Lastly, web applications can be accessed without having to download additional software.