How to Update Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash

This document provides the steps to manually update Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash.


Updating Adobe Reader

    1. In a browser, go to http://get.adobe.com/reader/.

    2. IMPORTANT! If you are running Windows, verify that the check box to install McAfee Security Scan Plus under "Option offer" NOT checked, as this will cause conflicts with other antivirus programs. Mac users may install the trial of Lightroom 5 if desired.

      Click the Install now button to download the installer file.

    3. When prompted, save the installer file. Once the file has been downloaded, locate it on your computer and double-click it to start the installation process.

      • Note: If there are no updates, the installer will inform you that software is already installed.

  1. During the update process, the Adobe Updater may ask you to close Adobe Reader to continue. Please do this.

  2. Once the update has completed, Adobe Reader will reopen automatically. To verify that the latest version is installed, in Adobe Reader select Help > About Adobe Reader 11. The version should be at least at version 11.0.06.

Updating Adobe Flash

Flash End of Life: In December 2020, Adobe retired Flash and it cannot be updated further.

NOTE: Internet Explorer 10 and 11 for Windows 8 as well as Google Chrome have built-in Flash players which cannot be updated this way. Instead, Flash will be updated with the browser version.

  1. In a browser, go to http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/.

  2. IMPORTANT! If you are running Windows, verify that the check box to install McAfee Security Scan Plus under "Option offer" NOT checked, as this will cause conflicts with other antivirus programs. Mac users may install the trial of Lightroom 5 if desired.

    Click the Install now button to download the installer file.

  3. When prompted, save the installer file. Once the file has been downloaded, locate it on your computer and double-click it to start the installation process.

  4. During the update process, the Adobe Updater may ask you to close your browser to continue. Please do this.

  5. Upon completion, the website should reload automatically and display a message indicating that the install was successful.