ActiveX controls are a powerful tool in Internet Explorer, allowing websites to use specific features and functionality that are otherwise not supported by regular HTML or JavaScript. However, due to security concerns, these controls are often disabled by default in modern versions of Internet Explorer. If you’re trying to run a web application that requires ActiveX controls, you may need to enable them manually.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of enabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer, ensuring that you can access content or applications that depend on these controls without compromising your system’s security.

 

What Are ActiveX Controls?

ActiveX controls are small applications or components that enhance the functionality of web pages in Internet Explorer. They can help run multimedia, games, interactive content, or enterprise-level tools. For example, some online banking sites or legacy business applications rely on ActiveX controls for their functionality.

However, due to the potential security risks—such as being susceptible to malware and exploitation—ActiveX is not enabled by default in modern versions of Internet Explorer. As such, enabling ActiveX controls requires altering certain security settings.

 

Why You May Need to Enable ActiveX Controls

Although ActiveX controls were once essential for many web-based applications, they have gradually been phased out in favor of more secure and modern technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3. However, there are still instances where enabling ActiveX may be necessary, such as:

  • Accessing legacy business applications that require ActiveX.
  • Using certain online banking or government websites.
  • Running specific web-based tools and plugins.

It’s important to exercise caution when enabling ActiveX, as outdated or untrusted controls can pose a security risk.

 

How to Enable ActiveX Controls in Internet Explorer

Follow these simple steps to enable ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer:

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

First, you need to launch Internet Explorer on your system. If you’re using a version of Windows that includes Internet Explorer (such as Windows 7, 8, or 10), open it by clicking on the Internet Explorer icon or searching for it in the Start menu.

Step 2: Access Internet Options

  1. In the top right corner of the browser, click on the gear icon (Tools menu).
  2. From the dropdown, select Internet Options.

Alternatively, you can access this by going to the Control Panel and selecting Internet Options from there.

Step 3: Go to the Security Tab

Once the Internet Options window opens, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Security tab.
  2. In this tab, you’ll see several zones: Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites.

ActiveX controls are typically enabled in the Internet zone, but you can enable them for specific zones depending on your needs. We’ll focus on the Internet zone for this example.

Step 4: Modify the Security Settings

  1. With the Internet zone selected, click on the Custom level… button.
  2. Scroll down to the ActiveX controls and plug-ins section.

In this section, you’ll see a number of settings related to ActiveX:

  • Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting: This setting controls whether ActiveX controls that aren’t explicitly marked as safe can be run.
  • Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: This allows or disallows all ActiveX controls.
  • Allow previously unused ActiveX controls to run without prompt: This lets you run ActiveX controls without being asked for confirmation every time.

Step 5: Enable ActiveX Controls

To enable ActiveX, adjust the settings as follows:

  • Set Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins to enable.
  • Set Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting to Prompt or Enable (depending on your preference for security and functionality).
  • Set Allow previously unused ActiveX controls to run without prompt to Prompt or Enable.

This will allow you to run most ActiveX controls necessary for websites that require them, while still prompting you for confirmation on more potentially risky controls.

Step 6: Apply and Save Changes

Once you’ve adjusted the settings, click OK to save the changes. You may be prompted to restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect. If so, close all open windows and reopen Internet Explorer.

 

Testing the Changes

Once you’ve enabled ActiveX controls, test them by visiting a website that requires ActiveX for full functionality. For example, try accessing a website that uses a plugin to stream videos or interact with business applications.

If everything is set up correctly, the ActiveX control should run without any issues. If you encounter any problems, double-check the security settings and ensure that your internet connection is secure.

 

Security Considerations When Enabling ActiveX

While enabling ActiveX controls may be necessary for certain tasks, it’s important to recognize the security risks associated with these controls:

  1. Vulnerabilities: Older ActiveX controls may have unpatched vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. So you have to be very careful with using Older ActiveX controls especially if you use the same device to access dark web links where hackers are waiting for an opportunity to find vulnerable devices.
  2. Malware Risks: Malicious ActiveX controls can be used to install malware or spyware on your computer.
  3. Use Trusted Sites Only: Only enable ActiveX controls on trusted websites. You can add these sites to the Trusted sites zone in the Security settings for additional protection.
  4. Disable ActiveX When Not in Use: If you don’t need ActiveX for daily use, it’s a good idea to disable it again after you’ve finished using it.

 

Conclusion

Enabling ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer allows you to access older web applications and sites that rely on this technology. However, given the security risks associated with ActiveX, you should proceed with caution and ensure that you are enabling controls only for trusted sites. Always keep your browser up to date, as well as any ActiveX controls you are using, to minimize security vulnerabilities. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to enable ActiveX controls safely and efficiently, ensuring that your Internet Explorer experience remains smooth and secure.