Software updater does not update Flash

[Jykke]

I have Avast 8.0.1483 free on Windows 7 64-bit. Avast tells me there's an update to Flash Player ActiveX (my version 11.6.602.168, new version 11.6.602.180). This is correct. But if I click "fix now" in Avast UI or "Install" in the popup message nothing happens. What could I try to make updating actually work for me?

[abruptum]

I don't think that is how Software Updater works in Avast Free.You should download Flash installer
from Adobe or Filehippo and install it.I think SU in free version of Avast is just reminder.Anyway,I don't
even look at or use SU.It is so much behind software updates that makes it useless.Check sites like
Softpedia or similar site once a day for software updates.Also check Mozilla Plugin Check site.

[DavidR]

I don't know why it isn't working on your system but the flash updates are working on both my systems, XP Pro and win7 32bit.

Now for an update of flash to work, it really is no different to how it would work if you updates it manually, in that for it to work you have to close the browser/s that the update is for.  The update of the activeX version of flash you have to close IE, for the plugin based version you have to close other browsers such as firefox before it will work.

[Jykke]

The solution was to login as an administrator. Then it works as supposed. I normally use my Win7 only as a regular user.

So, my tip to avast developers is: when admin rights are needed Avast should ask for them, or at the very least tell the user why it fails, not just silently do nothing.

[DavidR]

Yes, unfortunately some updates require admin privilege.