This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Flash not loading. I have downloaded the new Flash version. However, it does not work with Firefox. I keep being asked to download the new Flash version. I have no problems with IE, Chrome or Safari. What to do?

  • 3 replies
  • 117 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Flatwalker

more options

I have repeatedly installed the new Flash player. However, when using Firefox I keep being asked by websites (e.g. maps.google.com, etc) to download the new Flash player. I have done so completely and repeatedly and rebooted.

I do NOT have this problem with other browsers.

I have repeatedly installed the new Flash player. However, when using Firefox I keep being asked by websites (e.g. maps.google.com, etc) to download the new Flash player. I have done so completely and repeatedly and rebooted. I do NOT have this problem with other browsers.

Chosen solution

There are 2 versions of Adobe Flash; an ActiveX version for IE only and a Plugin version for most other browsers including Firefox. On a Windows system, you should always update both individually. You do not have the Plugin version installed for Firefox; if you did, you would see "Shockwave Flash" in Add-ons > Plugins.

  1. Using Firefox, go to the following direct download link and SAVE the download to your desktop so you can find it later: http://fpdownload.adobe.com/get/flashplayer/current/install_flash_player.exe
  2. When the download is finished, close Firefox (File > Exit OR Firefox button > Exit)
  3. Click or double-click on the file you just saved to your desktop
    • In the installation window that appears, click the box to the left of "I have read and...." to place a check mark in the box
    • The "Install" button in the lower right corner will now be highlighted, click it.
    • The installation is quick.
  4. Start Firefox and test your installation here: https://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
  5. Direct link ActiveX version for IE only: http://fpdownload.adobe.com/get/flashplayer/current/install_flash_player_ax.exe


If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.

Read this answer in context 👍 12

All Replies (3)

more options

Chosen Solution

There are 2 versions of Adobe Flash; an ActiveX version for IE only and a Plugin version for most other browsers including Firefox. On a Windows system, you should always update both individually. You do not have the Plugin version installed for Firefox; if you did, you would see "Shockwave Flash" in Add-ons > Plugins.

  1. Using Firefox, go to the following direct download link and SAVE the download to your desktop so you can find it later: http://fpdownload.adobe.com/get/flashplayer/current/install_flash_player.exe
  2. When the download is finished, close Firefox (File > Exit OR Firefox button > Exit)
  3. Click or double-click on the file you just saved to your desktop
    • In the installation window that appears, click the box to the left of "I have read and...." to place a check mark in the box
    • The "Install" button in the lower right corner will now be highlighted, click it.
    • The installation is quick.
  4. Start Firefox and test your installation here: https://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
  5. Direct link ActiveX version for IE only: http://fpdownload.adobe.com/get/flashplayer/current/install_flash_player_ax.exe


If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.

more options

I tried this and it didn't work. I didn't have this issue until I "upgraded" to the latest and greatest version of Firefox. Is there any way I can go back to a prior version without the problem? I really don't want to use IE.

more options

I cannot watch any news items using Firefox as it says I must download flashplayer. The process of download stops and I get a message saying it can onnly proceed if I close the Firefox browser. My computer also tells me that it is already loaded. This has gone on for days now and I have to go into IE to watch anything.

What is going on. the help pages on Firefox are complicated and not helpful like Yahoo and the like. So can someone kind soul help me please.