First of all, what is Flash Player? Flash Player is software, made by Adobe, that allows your computer to play files that are saved in a Flash file format. We find Flash files on websites that stream video like YouTube, and on sites that offer games like those on FaceBook. Sites like Lumosity also use the Flash file format for their brain training exercises. Flash is a file format that is widely used on many websites, but the unfortunate thing about Flash is that it requires an update seemingly every couple months. On top of that, the process for updating is not all that simple. So, the steps to update your Flash Player are below. This guide was created for Mac users, but the process would be similar for PC users (Instead of System Preferences, look for Control Panels, instead of Finder, you’ll need My Computer, and instead of Safari, another browser like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. Please also note that this process can vary slightly depending on what system software you’re currently running, so be sure to read each pop-up window on-screen as you compare and read through this guide. If you would prefer a document to print with these same step by step instructions that has helpful images inserted, you can download it here; Updating Flash.
These instructions begin as if you want to update Flash without following any pop-up windows that say you need to update Flash (perhaps one did appear but is now not on the screen, begin at step 1). If you are prompted to update Flash with a pop-up window, then you’re instructions will begin at step 6.
1. Click the Apple logo top left of your screen, then click System Preferences.
2. Near the bottom of the System Preferences, click Flash Player.
3. In the window that appears for the Flash Player preferences, click the Updates tab (or the Advanced tab if there is no Updates tab) at the top right.
4. Click Check Now near the bottom to see if there are any updates available.
5. If you get a message saying you’re up to date, then all is well. Close all windows and return to life as usual. If you get a message saying that there is an update available, click the button that would begin the process; OK, Update, or Install, etc.
This should open Safari and take you directly to the Adobe Flash Install website.
6. If you originally saw and clicked a pop-up message about updating Flash, it should jump you directly to this step. From this website, click Install Now (this step actually downloads Flash, the install is later). It should only take a minute or two to complete the Flash Player download.
7. Open your Downloads folder to find the Flash installer file. Click the Finder (blue happy face) on your Dock (typically at the bottom left of your screen). Once you’ve clicked the Finder icon, in the window that appears click Downloads in the left sidebar to display its contents which should reveal the compressed Adobe Flash Installer program. Find and double click the Adobe Flash Installer file (ends with .dmg).
8. Double clicking the compressed Flash Installer file in step 7 will uncompress the file and reveal it to you in a new window. Again, double click the Install Adobe Flash Player file (the red box icon).
9. Before the Installer can work, your Mac wants to know if it’s a safe file, so you’ll see this message saying “Install Adobe Flash Player is an application downloaded from the Internet. Are you sure you want to open it?” It’s safe so click Open.
10. Your Mac now asks for your authorization to install software. Enter your Mac administrator user account password, the same password you use to log into the Mac. This is NOT your Apple ID password. Enter the password and click OK.
11. The Flash Installer will ask you to set updating preferences, (the recommended option is fine). Click Next and the Flash begins an attempt to Install.
12. If Safari is still running in the background, you’ll see a request to close Safari. Click Close Safari and the install resumes. Click Finish when the install completes.
13. Safari reopens on its own to a website where Adobe offers a product to you. Don’t buy anything, just close Safari as you normally would.
14. You may still have an Adobe Flash Player Installer on your Desktop and in your Downloads folder. The one on your Desktop is the uncompressed version of what is in your Downloads folder. But after the installation is complete, these can both be placed in the trash.
15. You’re all done! You can now return to life as usual. Hold onto these instructions, as Flash will undoubtedly need to be updated again in the next couple months!