Flash may refer to any of the following:

  1. Flash is an abbreviation for flash memory.

  2. A flash or flashing is a term that describes updating the code (firmware) on a chip. See our flash BIOS page for further information on this term.

  3. Flash is a term Apple uses to describe an SSD (solid-state drive).

  4. Short for Adobe Flash, Flash is software that allows users to create animated works that are saved as .FLV and can be viewed over the Internet. It was originally developed by FutureWave and known as Future Splash Animator. In 1996, it was renamed and introduced to the public as Macromedia Flash, shortly after Macromedia purchased the product. Later, Adobe announced plans to purchase Macromedia, which was finalized and completed by the end of 2005.

How can I tell if Adobe Flash is working?

Below is a simple example of the Macromedia flash enabled logo to determine if your browser has the Macromedia plug-in installed and working. If you do not see anything, or see a puzzle piece or broken file Adobe Flash is not enabled or blocked.

Support for Adobe Flash ended on December 31, 2020. For more information, see Adobe’s end-of-support announcement for Adobe Flash.

  • How can I tell if Adobe Flash is working?
  • How do I install the Adobe Flash?
  • How do I disable or remove Adobe Flash?
  • Flash vs. HTML5
  • Related information

How do I install the Adobe Flash?

To install Adobe Flash, go to the Adobe Flash Player page and follow the instructions.

As of January 12, 2021, Adobe has declared Flash EOL (end-of-life). Browsers and the Flash player, no longer support playing Flash or SWF files.

How do I disable or remove Adobe Flash?

Adobe Flash is often used by an Internet browser as an extension or add-on. The extension is usually named Adobe Flash or Adobe Flash Player, and you can disable or remove it by removing the browser extension.

  • How to disable or remove browser extensions.

Also, because Adobe Flash is installed on the computer as software, you can also uninstall it using the Windows uninstall feature.

  • How to uninstall software in Windows.

Flash vs. HTML5

Today, more sites are moving away from Adobe Flash in favor of HTML5, which require no additional plugins and works with all the latest browsers and mobile device.

Adobe AIR, Browser, Computer abbreviations, Internet, Internet terms, Plug-in, Shockwave, Silverlight, SWF

  • Determine what Adobe Flash version and versions of other plug-ins you are using.
  • How to adjust Adobe Flash settings and see permissions.
  • How to block and unblock Flash in Chrome.
  • Adobe Animate replaces Flash as Adobe’s official animation software.