Microsoft released a Flash-removal update. What happens if I install it?

Oct 29, 2020

After installing Microsoft's Flash-removal update, legacy Articulate apps will stop working, and Flash-only courses won't load.

On October 27, 2020, Microsoft released update KB4577586, which removes the Flash Player from supported versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows 8. Although the official end of Flash isn't until December 31, 2020, Microsoft released the update early so customers can test it in their environments.

The Flash-removal update is optional until the end of 2020. It isn't available via Windows Update, so it won't automatically install on your computers. It can only be installed manually via the Microsoft Update Catalog. If you choose to install the update, we recommend creating a restore point first in case you need to go back.

After installing the Flash-removal update:

  • Storyline 3 and Articulate 360 (which includes Storyline 360 and Studio 360) will continue to work since they don't have Flash dependencies.
  • Storyline 1, Storyline 2, Studio '09, and Studio '13 will prompt you to install the Flash Player, which won't be possible.
  • Storyline 2 will still open, but it won't be fully operable.
  • Storyline 1, Studio '09, and Studio '13 won't work at all.
  • Flash-only courses won't load in your web browser. HTML5 content will continue to work as expected.

For more information on how the end of Flash affects Articulate apps and courses, check out this article.

4 Replies
Lauren Connelly

Hi Melody!

I'd love to provide clarity on what this means for Presenter '13! Have you already installed Microsoft's flash removal update? 

If not, I'd recommend waiting to install the update until you're confident your courses include HTML5 output and/or have upgraded to Articulate 360, which includes Presenter 360.

If your courses do include HTML5 output, then you’re safe installing the Microsoft update with Flash removal. Remember Presenter '13 will not open if you install the update. I'd only update if you've purchased Articulate 360.

If the courses do not include HTML5, you’ll need to publish your Presenter '13 projects to include HTML5 only before installing the Microsoft update with Flash removal.

If you're looking to upgrade to Articulate 360,  connect with our Sales team for help! We want to make sure your projects are safe so let us know if you need additional help! 

Paul Hancock

I have some content generated by Articulate Presenter circa 2007 that is no longer usable due to the flash removal update. Does anybody have any suggestions/solutions for converting this content into a usable format?   Is there a conversion tool?   Unfortunately I do not have the source PPT files. 

hasimm ssss
Paul Hancock

I have some content generated by Articulate Presenter circa 2007 that is no longer usable due to the flash removal update. Does anybody have any suggestions/solutions for converting this content into a usable format?   Is there a conversion tool?   Unfortunately I do not have the source PPT files. 

Same.