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- ActiveX is still used for rendering multimedia content. However, errors are quite common since the framework has not received any updates in recent years.
- If your computer is blocking ActiveX installation for IE, the below guide is all you need to fix this issue in no time.
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If you still use the ancient Microsoft web browser and see popups like Internet Explorer blocked this website from installing an ActiveX control, this article is for you. Here, you will find relevant information and an effective solution.
ActiveX is an increasingly antiquated software framework that is still utilized within Internet Explorer and other Microsoft applications.
It enables some websites to display interactive content, such as toolbars and games. However, in recent years, this technology has been outdated. Even if you depend on it, you may face many problems like IE ActiveX interface marshaling library won’t open or anything else.
In addition, ActiveX controls can also assist malware in installing unwanted software on Windows.
Consequently, IE automatically blocks ActiveX controls installation. That will happen for users who have enabled the ActiveX Filtering setting.
Then, some content might be missing from a page. When filtering isn’t enabled, users might still see prompts at the top of IE requesting permission to install an ActiveX control.
Quick Tip:
You’ve seen how tricky Internet Explorer’s ActiveX Filtering setting really is, and deselecting it or turning it off for specific websites might not necessarily sound like music to your years.
Instead of wasting valuable time on fixing ActiveX-related errors, install Opera. The first thing to point out is that it never blocks ActiveX controls installation.
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If Windows 10 is blocking ActiveX install for IE, consider using a reliable alternative.
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Does IE 11 support ActiveX?
Yes. Internet Explorer 11 supports ActiveX. Even though there are both pros and cons, this is still supported by the IE11. However, the new Microsoft Edge that has replaced the IE on modern Windows doesn’t support ActiveX.
Where are ActiveX controls stored in windows 10
Not only on Windows 10 but also on any Windows versions, the ActiveX control files are stored in the following location of the system drive:
C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files
How do I run ActiveX on Windows 11?
Windows 11 has not come with Internet Explorer. Instead, it has Microsoft Edge as the one and only default web browser. Fortunately, you can enable IE mode here to access websites and web applications that require IE features to function properly.
The IE mode should automatically run ActiveX without any issue. Here are the steps to enable IE mode on Edge:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Type the following address in the address bar and hit enter:
edge://settings/defaultBrowser - Enable the option Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (IE mode).
- Relaunch Edge.
How can I stop Windows 10/11 blocking ActiveX install for IE?
1. Turn Off ActiveX Filtering for All Websites
- On IE, click on the gear icon in the top right corner.
- Then, select Safety and deselect a ticked Active X Filtering option.
- Alternatively, you can open the start menu, search for the Internet Options and open it.
- Go to the Custom level button on the Security tab.
- Then, select Disablefor theAllow ActiveX Filteringsetting shown in the snapshot directly below.
2. Turn Off ActiveX Filtering for a Specific Website
When ActiveX filtering is on, a blue circle, or stop icon, appears on the right side of Internet Explorer’s URL bar.
Users can click on that to open a dialog box window that states, Some content is filtered on this site.
Then users can click the Turn Off ActiveX Filtering button on that dialog box to enable ActiveX controls for a specific website. However, the filter will still block ActiveX controls on other pages.
3. Add Pages to Trusted Sites
- Open the Internet Options as shown in method 1.
- Go to the Security tab.
- Select the Trusted sites option.
- Click on Sites.
- Enter the URL that showed the error: internet explorer blocked this website from installing an ActiveX control.
- Press the Add button.
- Deselect the Require Server Verification (https:) for all Sites in This Zone option.
- Click the Close button.
Windows might also block ActiveX controls from installing when the publisher cannot be verified.
Then, an error message will pop up stating that Windows has blocked this software because it can’t verify the publisher.
Then it might be a good idea not to install ActiveX. Nevertheless, users can still deselect a Require server verification option to install ActiveX even when Windows can’t verify the publisher.
4. Turn Off ActiveX Control Prompts
- Go to the Custom level option on Internet Options like before.
- Then scroll down to the Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls option and select Disable.
- Select Enable for the Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins option.
- Select Enable for the Download signed ActiveX controls option.
- In addition, select Enable for both the script ActiveX controls settings. Just select Enable for all the ActiveX settings that include Prompt radio buttons.
So, that’s how Internet Explorer users can lift ActiveX control blocks to remove content filtering from pages.
For some users, a warning message like Failed to load popup blocker assistant ActiveX Control may appear after doing the above changes. Ignore it. But, if you don’t want to get this warning, Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls.
5. Enable Turn off blocking of outdated ActiveX controls for Internet Explorer
- Open the start menu, type the following command, and press enter:
gpedit.msc - Go to Computer Configuration and then Administrative Templates.
- Expand Windows Components and then Internet Explorer.
- Then, Go to Security Features and then Add-on Management.
- Double-click on Turn off blocking of outdated ActiveX controls for Internet Explorer and enable it.
However, do it only when you need this. It is because enabling this option may make you vulnerable to various malware and online threats. It is always recommended to leave it configured or disabled.
Download signed ActiveX controls grayed out
When you try to enable or disable ActiveX control on Internet Options, you may find that the option Download signed ActiveX controls cannot be enabled or disabled because the option is grayed out. If it happens to you, it means you lack privileges to make some changes on the IE.
To get rid of it, you need to contact the system administrator. However, if you are the admin of the computer, it means you have made some changes in the registry or group policy that should be restored to the previous state. A system restore can help you to achieve it if you have no clue.
These are the ways to fix Internet Explorer blocked this website from installing an ActiveX Control. Remember that ActiveX can compromise your system with unwanted software and content. Apply the fixes only when you need ActiveX badly.
If you have any opinion or know a better solution, feel free to let us know in the comment box.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ActiveX is still supported on Internet Explorer 11 although Microsoft’s latest browser, Edge, is not compatible with ActiveX. The fact is ActiveX is slowly going away and the Internet architecture is moving to HTML5.
- (Video) How to Enable Scripts in Internet Explorer
ActiveX is safe in itself but it is very vulnerable to malware attacks. Malicious code can easily bypass ActiveX controls making the browsing experience completely unsafe.
ActiveX control files are located on your computer’s hard drive. The default location should be in the folder where you stored downloaded programs.
This article covers:Topics:
- Internet Explorer Issues
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FAQs
How do I stop Internet Explorer from blocking ActiveX? ›
Turn off ActiveX Filtering for all sites
Open Internet Explorer and select the Tools button . Point to Safety in the drop-down menu, and then select ActiveX Filtering. There should no longer be a check mark next to ActiveX Filtering.
Turn off ActiveX Filtering for All Sites
Open Internet Explorer and select Tools, the gear icon located in the upper-right corner of the window. Select Safety in the drop-down menu. Select ActiveX Filtering to remove the check mark and disable ActiveX Filtering.
Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button , and then select Internet options. On the Privacy tab, under Pop-up Blocker, select or clear the Turn on Pop-up Blocker check box, and then select OK.
What is the replacement for ActiveX? ›In 2015, Microsoft released Microsoft Edge, the replacement for Internet Explorer with no support for ActiveX, this event marked the end of ActiveX technology in Microsoft's web browser development.
How do I enable ActiveX in Windows 10? ›How To Enable ActiveX On Windows 10 [Tutorial] - YouTube
How do I change ActiveX settings in IE 11? ›To enable ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer, follow the steps given below: Select Tools --> Internet Options menu from the Internet Explorer. Select the Security tab from the Internet Options dialog. Select the appropriate Web content zone and click Custom Level.
Do you need ActiveX? ›Do you need ActiveX? On one hand, only Internet Explorer supports ActiveX, while the majority of seasoned Internet users employ other browsers and are unaware of this tech. But if you need sites that require legacy IE versions, you will have to use ActiveX components. However, use this technology with extreme care.
Should I disable ActiveX? ›Nowadays ActiveX is the source of many if not most Web viruses and spyware1. The best way to prevent this malware from entering your computer in the first place,is: disable Active X whenever feasible.
How do I download ActiveX controls for Internet Explorer? ›- Open Internet Explorer.
- From the menu bar, click Tools > Internet Options > Security.
- In the Security tab, click the Custom Level button.
- Under ActiveX controls and plug-ins, set the following ActiveX options: ...
- Under Downloads the settings should be: ...
- Click OK > OK.
- Close the Internet Explorer windows.
In the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Internet Explorer >> Security Features >> Add-on Management, set "Turn off blocking of outdated ActiveX controls for Internet Explorer" to "Disabled".
Where is ActiveX located on my computer? ›
Location. The ActiveX control files are downloaded and stored to a default folder on the computer hard drive. The default location of the folder is: "Windows\Downloaded Program Files" (see References).
Why does Internet Explorer keep blocking websites? ›The browser itself (based on information from Microsoft) may have deemed these pages insecure and dangerous, or you may have accidentally blocked the page yourself. You can stop Internet Explorer from blocking websites by going through the program's "Security" settings page.
How do I remove Internet Explorer blocked this site from displaying content? ›- Press Alt+X or Tools in internet explorer.
- Press Advanced tab and unchecked the 'Warn about certificate address mismatch' option.
- Press Apply and OK.
- Restart the computer.
- Click "Start | Control Panel | System and Security | Windows Firewall." Choose "Turns Windows Firewall On or Off" from the left pane.
- Select "Turn Off Windows Firewall" from under "Home or Work (Private) Network Location Settings" and "Public Network Location Settings.".
As of 2021, ActiveX controls are still supported on modern versions of Windows 10. You have to use the legacy Internet Explorer 11 browser, however—Microsoft Edge does not support ActiveX controls.
Are ActiveX controls still used? ›ActiveX remains useful to Microsoft users and is included with Windows 10. This is because ActiveX still allows standalone software to receive updates, interface across programs, and enhance functionality.
What is ActiveX used for? ›ActiveX controls are small programs, sometimes also called “add-ons,” used on the Internet. They can make browsing more enjoyable by allowing animation or they can help with tasks such as installing security updates at Windows Update.
What browser supports ActiveX? ›Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the only browser that fully supports ActiveX controls and plug-ins. When you navigate to a website or document that requires a new ActiveX control, you will see an alert appear at the top of your webpage, under the browser's toolbar.
How do I install ActiveX? ›...
How do I install Active X Control on my computer?
- Click Start.
- Type Services in Start Search.
- Right click on Active X installer.
- Click Properties.
- Set the Startup type to Manual.
- Click on Start, click OK.
- Step 1: Press Windows logo Key and type 'internet options'.
- Step 2: After Internet Options properties window appears, Click Security tab next to General.
- Step 3: After the Security Settings window opens, you can look for ActiveX controls and plug-ins by scrolling.
Does ie11 support ActiveX? ›
The Internet Explorer 11 desktop application is retired and out of support as of June 15, 2022 for certain versions of Windows 10. You can still access older, legacy sites that require Internet Explorer with Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge.
How do I enable ActiveX controls? ›On the Developer tab, in the Controls group, click Insert, and then under ActiveX Controls, select a control, or click More Controls to view all the available ActiveX controls, and then select a control.
How do I unblock add ons Internet Explorer installer? ›- Open Internet Explorer.
- Select the Settings Gear at the upper-right corner and choose “Internet Options“.
- Select the “Advanced” tab.
- Scroll down to the “Browsing” section.
- Check or uncheck the “Enable third-party browser extensions” as desired.
ActiveX Viruses. ActiveX is a virus built into your browser. If you have it enabled, it allows any web page you look at to take over complete control of your computer and extract any information or insert any instructions the web page maintainer wants.
Does Microsoft support ActiveX? ›In addition to web applications, other types of Windows applications -- such as Microsoft Word and Excel -- can use ActiveX controls.
How can I tell what ActiveX controls are installed? ›a) Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button. In the search box, type Internet Explorer, and then, in the list of results, click Internet Explorer. b) Click the Tools button, and then click Manage Add-ons. c) Under Add-on Types, click Toolbars and Extensions.
Why was ActiveX deprecated? ›Modern browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome have re-defined the segmentation between content and data controls. This segmentation is critical in the “Zero Trust" era. As the web has advanced to distributed and more secure technology stacks, ActiveX should naturally be deprecated.
What does ActiveX filtering mean? ›ActiveX Filtering allows you to browse the Web without running any ActiveX controls. As you browse the Web, you may encounter webpages that don't work properly unless you install an ActiveX control. ActiveX controls are powerful browser plugins that enable many rich web experiences.
How do I enable ActiveX on Chrome? ›- Open the Control Panel on your computer and click the Network & Sharing option. ...
- Click the Security tab at the top of the window that opens.
- Click Custom level…
- Check Enable under Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins and Run antimalware software on ActiveX controls.
- Launch Internet Explorer, click the "Tools" button in the upper right corner of the window and choose "Manage Add-ons" from the drop-down menu.
- Expand the "Show" menu and select the option labeled "Downloaded controls." The window now displays all installed ActiveX controls.
How do I unblock add ons Internet Explorer installer? ›
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Select the Settings Gear at the upper-right corner and choose “Internet Options“.
- Select the “Advanced” tab.
- Scroll down to the “Browsing” section.
- Check or uncheck the “Enable third-party browser extensions” as desired.
Location. The ActiveX control files are downloaded and stored to a default folder on the computer hard drive. The default location of the folder is: "Windows\Downloaded Program Files" (see References).
How do I enable ActiveX in Microsoft edge? ›Click Custom Level. In Security Settings, under ActiveX controls and plug-ins, navigate to Download signed ActiveX controls, and select Enable or Prompt. In Security Settings, under ActiveX controls and plug-ins, navigate to Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins, and select Enable.
How do I fix ActiveX problems? ›- Download Outbyte PC Repair Special offer. ...
- Install and launch the application.
- Click the Scan Now button to detect issues and abnormalities.
- Click the Repair All button to fix the issues.
Updating ActiveX controls
From the Internet Explorer notification bar, select Update. You'll be taken to the ActiveX control's website, where you can download the latest version of the control.
- Reregister the Program. ...
- Reregister the Specified File. ...
- Run a Virus Scan. ...
- Check for Windows Updates. ...
- Run the System File Checker. ...
- Scan and Fix the Registry. ...
- Undo System Changes with System Restore.
To turn add-ons on
Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button , and then select Manage add-ons. Under Show, select All add-ons. Select the add-on, Enable, and then select Close.
Start> Run (or Windows logo key + r) type in iexplore.exe -extoff then hit enter.
How do I turn off security warning in Internet Explorer? ›- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the Tools gear icon (ALT + X) and select Internet Options.
- Click the Security tab then click the 'Custom Level' button.
- Click the Trusted Sites green check.
Do you need ActiveX? On one hand, only Internet Explorer supports ActiveX, while the majority of seasoned Internet users employ other browsers and are unaware of this tech. But if you need sites that require legacy IE versions, you will have to use ActiveX components. However, use this technology with extreme care.
How do I know if I have ActiveX installed? ›
Open the start menu. Type "ActiveX" on 'search programs and files'. 'Manage browser add-ons' will automatically show at the top of the start menu bar. You can click it or simply press 'Enter'.
Is ActiveX still used? ›In some cases, these apps might be used to collect info from your PC, damage info on your PC, install software on your PC without your agreement or let someone else control your PC remotely." Despite these warnings, ActiveX controls are still in use, and hackers continue to take advantage of their vulnerabilities.
Which browsers support ActiveX controls? ›Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the only browser that fully supports ActiveX controls and plug-ins. When you navigate to a website or document that requires a new ActiveX control, you will see an alert appear at the top of your webpage, under the browser's toolbar.
Does edge IE mode support ActiveX? ›No. Microsoft Edge doesn't support ActiveX controls or Browser Help Objects (BHOs) like Silverlight or Java. However, if you're running web apps that use ActiveX controls, BHOs, or legacy document modes on Internet Explorer 11, you can configure them to run in IE mode on the new Microsoft Edge.
How do I update ActiveX in ie11? ›To get the updated ActiveX control
From the notification bar, tap or click Update. IE opens the ActiveX control's website. Download the latest version of the control.