activex for safari

Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

>  Learn more

>  Add to your calendar 

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

ActiveX for safari?

Macbook Pro, 15", mid-2009, Mac OS X (10.6.7), Macbook Pro

Posted on Mar 30, 2011 3:51 AM

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Mar 30, 2011 4:41 AM in response to Gabriel Dillaine

Mar 30, 2011 2:29 PM in response to Gabriel Dillaine

Mar 30, 2011 3:19 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Mar 31, 2011 8:36 AM in response to Klaus1

How to view websites on your Mac that require Internet Explorer (or a PC)

Whether you develop for the web and need to see how your site or web app displays itself in multiple browsers, or you just want to visit a site that requires a particular browser that you don't want to use, you may eventually need to use a browser other than Safari. While most of the web is free to access through any browser you'd like, there are occasionally websites (particularly older ones) that need you to use browsers like Internet Explorer, or worse yet, would like you to be on a Windows PC. Or maybe you'd like to see how your site or web app presents itself in Safari on iPhone or iPad, or Chrome on Windows.

Luckily, Safari on Mac has the answer for you. Safari allows you to masquerade as the user of other browsers and Windows through a tool in its Develop menu: changing the user agent. Changing the user agent tells websites that you're using a browser other than the version of Safari that you're using on your Mac. It can event tell a website that you're running Windows. And while Internet Explorer was removed from the default list of user agents in macOS Catalina, you can still add it as on by changing the user agent string manually.

Safari for Mac supports the following user agents:

• Safari for iPhone
• Safari for iPad
• Safari for iPod touch
• Microsoft Edge
• Google Chrome for Mac
• Google Chrome for Windows
• Firefox for Mac
• Firefox for Windows

Keep in mind that, though Safari will appear to be another browser, it won't actually be that browser. Any web app or site that requires, say, Chrome's Blink rendering engine (which Safari doesn't have) won't work properly, even if Safari's user agent is changed to Google Chrome.

Here's how you go about changing the user agent in Safari.

How to access websites in Safari that require a PC or another browser

• Open Safari from your Dock or Applications folder.
• Click Safari in the Menu bar.

• Click Preferences .
• Click Advanced .

• Check the box next to Show Develop menu in the menu bar .
• Close the Preferences window. The user agent choices will be grayed out and unselectable if you don't.

• Click Develop .
• Hover over User Agent .

• Click on the user agent of the browser you need. If you need to pretend that you're using a PC, choose Microsoft Edge , Google Chrome — Windows , or Firefox — Windows .
• Click Other... if you need to enter a custom user string.

• Enter the user agent string for your desired browser/operating system combination.
• Click OK . Your page will reload with the appropriate user agent.

Doing this should get you through a website detection-checker.

If you have any questions about masquerading Safari as a Windows web browser, let us know in the comments.

Master your iPhone in minutes

iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!

Updated March 2020: Updated through macOS Catalina.

Serenity Caldwell contributed to a previous version of this article.

○ macOS Big Sur Review ○ macOS Big Sur FAQ ○ Updating macOS: The ultimate guide ○ macOS Big Sur Help Forum

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.

Best docking stations for MacBook Pro in 2024: more ports, more power

The Keychron Q1 HE is an incredibly versatile mechanical keyboard that takes everything great from previous models and adds gaming functionality

Apple's May 7 iPad Pro and Air event won't include the rumored AI announcement, and nor should it

Most Popular

• 2 New iOS 18 leak hints at AI improvements to Siri and Spotlight ahead of expected WWDC debut
• 3 Severance star says we won't have to wait "too much longer" for season 2.
• 4 Who needs CarPlay and Siri? Tesla is reportedly working on its own in-car voice assistant instead
• 5 Apple's iPad dilemma — Cupertino needs new iPads more than you do

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Enable ActiveX on MacOS?

I've developed a custom tool around Excel and I've just learned that it should work on MacOS too...

The only problem I've got is that the whole tool work around ActiveX comboboxes, which are not supported but MacOS... (T_T)

I could break the whole tool and almost restart it from scratch to break every combobox into supported components, but I've seen around a few pages talking about enabling ActiveX on MacOS.

But they talked about an installer that was no more available via provided link...

Any one know any way I could try to enable ActiveX on MacOS ? Or is absolutely sure that it isn't possible, so that I just get on with rebuilding... :/

• microsoft-excel
• microsoft-office

• Why are you even using AcitveX on Windows any more? It doesn't work in Edge. It's never worked on Mac. –  Tetsujin May 3, 2020 at 7:16
• ActiveX is dead, period. If you must work on your combo boxes on a Mac, you can do it via form control (to enter data), and if you must edit the box properties (change or rename items, etc...), you must use userform. Both are available in the Developer Tools in the Ribbon. See here: answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/… –  user1019780 May 3, 2020 at 7:18
• Does this answer your question? Minimal footprint Windows instance on OS X to run ActiveX –  karel May 4, 2020 at 5:52
• As far as I know, there is no Mac compatible ActiveX capability. ActiveX is a Windows-only technology. Microsoft is dropping ActiveX for better security. Active-X was never ported to the Mac. Since it doesn't exist on the Mac, and no one (not Apple, Microsoft or anyone else) has invested in Active-X to make it cross-platform, you must use either standard legacy controls, or invest what it takes to port Active-X to the Mac. –  Herb Gu _ MSFT May 4, 2020 at 9:03

You must log in to answer this question.

Browse other questions tagged microsoft-excel macos mac microsoft-office activex ..

• The Overflow Blog
• The reverse mullett model of software engineering
• Reshaping the future of API platforms
• Featured on Meta
• Testing a new version of Stack Overflow Jobs
• Our Partnership with OpenAI

Hot Network Questions

• Writing out this syncopated rhythm
• sample size calculation using G*Power -- which model to use based on an already calculated effect size?
• What is the purpose of these fat copper coils wrapped around … something?
• Author and book title that includes "The Slow Ones"
• Manga with a female main character who can swap places with her older self
• Sucked into the vacuum of a black hole
• What can be learned from viewing the sun on earth during a total eclipse that cannot be studied by spacecraft in orbit?
• Does the top of a wheel really move at twice the velocity of the center?
• Why did Israel invade the Gaza strip from the north and not the south?
• No output for a "who am i" command
• Possible to convert disconnect to sub panel?
• Fred closes a stranger's truck door; the truck later burns down. What is Fred's liability?
• Motivation behind axiom 4 in Gödel's ontological proof.
• Are "turn out" and "end up" too informal for academic writing?
• jq skip iteration over null
• Why shut down Al Jazeera in Israel?
• Which level of myopia is the highest possible to be allowed to drive a car?
• Where am I working?
• "Is he not the carpenter's son?" v.s. "Is not he the carpenter's son?"
• Colleague Plagiarizes Entire Course Content
• Light curves for Chandra
• HTML Table Parser
• Which distances can I run on my treadmill?
• Why add the word "solid" to the verb "freeze"? — e.g.: "The clothes froze solid on the washing line." — Will the meaning change if we remove "solid"?

How-To Geek

What activex controls are and why they're dangerous.

ActiveX controls are Internet Explorer's version of plug-ins.

Quick Links

What activex controls do, security concerns, managing activex controls.

ActiveX controls are Internet Explorer's version of plug-ins. For example, Internet Explorer's Flash player is an ActiveX control. Unfortunately, ActiveX controls have been a significant source of security problems.

ActiveX controls are essentially pieces of software and have access to your entire computer if you opt to install and run them. If you're using Internet Explorer, websites can prompt you to install ActiveX controls -- and this feature can be used for malicious purposes.

An ActiveX control is a small program for Internet Explorer, often referred to as an add-on. ActiveX controls are like other programs -- they aren't restricted from doing bad things with your computer. They could monitor your personal browsing habits, install malware, generate pop-ups, log your keystrokes and passwords, and do other malicious things.

ActiveX controls are actually not Internet Explorer-only. They also work in other Microsoft applications, such as Microsoft Office.

Other browsers, such as Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera, all use other types of browser plug-ins. ActiveX controls only function in Internet Explorer. A website that requires an ActiveX control is an Internet Explorer-only website.

You should avoid installing ActiveX controls unless you trust their source. Certain ActiveX controls are normal -- for example, if you're using Internet Explorer you probably have the Flash Player ActiveX control installed -- but you should avoid installing other ActiveX controls if possible.

For example, while Oracle is a trustworthy corporation that isn't out to infect your computer (unless you count the Ask Toolbar they slip into updates ), the Java ActiveX control has security vulnerabilities and could be used to infect your computer. The more ActiveX controls you install, the more websites can take advantage of their problems to damage your computer. Reduce your attack surface by uninstalling potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls you don't use.

Modern versions of Internet Explorer include features like ActiveX Filtering , Protected Mode, and "killbits" that prevent vulnerable ActiveX controls from running. Unfortunately, ActiveX controls are unsecure by their very design and nothing can be done to make them completely secure.

You can view the ActiveX controls you have installed by clicking the gear menu in Internet Explorer and selecting Manage Add-ons. Click the box under Show and select All add-ons.

You will probably have a variety of common ActiveX controls installed system-wide, such as Adobe's Shockwave Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, and Windows Media Player. You can disable these from here, but you'll have to uninstall them from the Control Panel if you want to remove them from your system.

To display ActiveX controls that you've downloaded via the browser, select Downloaded controls in the Show box.

To uninstall a control you've downloaded, double-click it and click the Remove button in the More information window.

In summary, ActiveX controls are dangerous and you should only install them if you need to do so and trust the source.

Sure, install the Flash Player ActiveX control -- but if you're browsing the web an a website wants to install an ActiveX control, you should probably decline the offer. Even if you do opt to install an ActiveX control from a trusted source, you should probably remove it when it's no longer necessary to reduce your attack surface and help secure your computer.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• Create an Account

Enabling ActiveX to view your IP Cameras and DVR over the web

After installing your security camera system, one of the first walls you might find yourself running into is getting your camera feed pulled up on your internet browser.  Assuming you've connected your DVR/NVR to your network correctly, this is a pretty simple issue to fix.

Internet Browser Selection

You'll first want to look at what internet browser you're using.  In most cases, you won't be able to use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or any other privately owned browser such as these.  In order to view your cameras on any computer, you need to initially enable all aspects of the ActiveX plugin and for now, Internet Explorer is the only browser that consistently allows for this in it's entirety.  If you want to save yourself some time, stick with Internet Explorer.

Enabling ActiveX

If you've tried bringing up your cameras in Internet Explorer and have found yourself looking at a blank screen (not an error page), you've connected your DVR properly, you just need to enable the ActiveX plugin.  This is done the same way on all versions all the way up to Explorer 10.  By clicking the small gear icon or Tools tab in the upper right corner of your window, you'll open up a drop down menu where you can select Internet Options.  This will open a new window.  Using the tabs along the top, select Security.  After you've made it here, click the button marked Custom Level.  After scrolling down a little bit, you'll find a section labeled ActiveX controls and plug-ins.  Some of these options will already be enabled, but you'll need to go through the entire list and enable all of them that aren't.  They must be checked enable; prompt will not work.  After you've made sure to check the enable box for all options, click OK in this window.  This will return you to the original pop-up where you'll then click Apply or OK as well.  If you encounter a pop-up window warning you of your current security settings, just click OK.  This is perfectly normal and it's just Internet Explorer trying to protect you.

At this time, you will normally see a pop-up appear at the very bottom or very top of your screen prompting you to fix your security settings.  Do not do anything with this window at this time.  Fixing the security settings will undo everything that you just did.  Instead, open a new window and re-enter your DVR's IP address and you should now have a login page being displayed.  Login with the appropriate username and password and you will be redirected to a new screen where you'll be able to begin viewing your cameras.

Add Your DVR a Trusted Site

Once you've reached the point of being able to view your camera feed, re-open the Internet Options window and go back in the Security tab.  Click the Sites button and add your DVR's IP address as a trusted site.  Make sure to uncheck the box marked "Require server verification" at the bottom of the screen.  Once you've added your DVR, close this window and click OK.  At this time, you can click on the button marked "Fix settings for me" on the pop-up at the bottom of your screen.  This will correct any security issue Internet Explorer is detecting but will not impede your ability to view your cameras as it once would have.

After you've completed the steps above, you should no longer encounter any issues accessing the login page and being able to pull up your camera feed.  If you decide to use an alternative computer later, follow the same steps to enable ActiveX and you'll be on your way.

Still having problems?

In the event that you are still experiencing issues, your problems fall into a more complicated category.  From this point on, it will pretty much be a guessing game.  Adware or Spyware is most frequently the issue here.  Your typical virus software is not made for recognizing or removing Adware or Spyware.  You'll need a dedicated software for the removal of either of these.  Another more uncommon issue can be overprotective virus software.  Sometimes disabling these temporarily will resolve your issue for you.  As you know exactly what it is you are accessing through your browser, this should pose no risk on a temporary basis such as this.  The last potential problem is more common for businesses than the average home user.  Hiring third party IT or networking companies to further protect yourself from the dangers of the internet is not a bad idea for anyone, but they strictly regulate what you have access to.  The simplest solution is to contact these companies if you have one, and ask them to fix the problem for you.  After all, that's what you're paying them for.

Internet Explorer 11

If you have this version of Explorer, there are two extra steps required here.  The first is the make sure that tab labeled "Delete browsing history on exit" is NOT checked.  If it is, closing your browser will undo everything you just accomplished.  This tab is found on the General tab under Internet Options.  The second step is to add your site to the Compatibility View Settings sections.  This tab can be found under the name gear/tool icon.  Add your DVR's IP address here in addition to being added as a trusted site and you are all set.

• 4K IP Camera Reviews
• AvaEye Guides
• Commercial Security
• DVR NVR Help
• Home Security
• IP Camera Help
• IP Camera Reviews
• ONVIF IP Camera
• Port Forwarding Help
• Product Videos
• PTZ Camera Help
• Remote Viewing Help
• Security Camera Help
• Security Camera Reviews
• Security Camera System Guides
• Security Cameras Inc Guides
• Security DVR & NVR Buying Guides
• Smart Event Detection
• Wireless Security Camera Guides
• Starry Surveillance - Unlocking Cosmic Secrets with Security Cameras
• Connecting a Two-way Audio Mic and Speaker for Security Cameras
• Do Security Cameras at Polling Stations Increase or Undermine Voter Trust?
• How to Video: Use an Avalonix Security Camera to Report Your Noisy Neighbor
• How to Live Stream a PTZ Camera

Please drop us a line below and we'll get in touch with you shortly!

If you don't know your order number, log in to your account to retrieve the order number or check your email for the invoice.

Please note free support is available by email for products purchased from CCTV Camera World. If you're looking for help with a product purchased elsewhere, feel free to purchase a third party support session here .

Free support is available by email for products purchased from CCTV Camera World.

In a hurry, don't have the time? or are you looking for additional management help from our experts? Configuration services and hands on assistance are available through a paid support session .

• Home New Posts Forum List Trending New Threads New Media Spy
• WikiPost Latest summaries Watched WikiPosts
• Support FAQ and Rules Contact Us

Need to use ActiveX on my mac HELP!

• Thread starter maw4bc
• Start date Jul 12, 2012
• Sort by reaction score
• Mac Basics, Help and Buying Advice

macrumors regular

• Jul 12, 2012

I am needing to run ActiveX to use some billing software for my medical practice. Is there any way to use ActiveX on mac? The "software" is a web based client but it has to run ActiveX on IE. Which is completely frustrating. I did a bit of searching but most of the info was old. Anyone have an answer for me? Other than running bootcamp or parallels?  

macrumors Westmere

maw4bc said: I am needing to run ActiveX to use some billing software for my medical practice. Is there any way to use ActiveX on mac? The "software" is a web based client but it has to run ActiveX on IE. Which is completely frustrating. I did a bit of searching but most of the info was old. Anyone have an answer for me? Other than running bootcamp or parallels? Click to expand...

GGJstudios said: Mac OS X doesn't support ActiveX. Windows is your only option. Click to expand...

maw4bc said: Ugh. That's what I thought. This would work if I did bootcamp or Parallels though correct? Click to expand...

GGJstudios said: Yep. Click to expand...

maw4bc said: Ok thanks. Why do people still use that BS to program? Click to expand...

macrumors 6502

macrumors 601

http://osxdaily.com/2010/04/20/run-internet-explorer-on-your-mac/ That might work for you as well (with IE6). I'm not a fan of using a VM just to run a single lousy program. I've used that to control a Linksys PTZ camera.  

sammich said: http://osxdaily.com/2010/04/20/run-internet-explorer-on-your-mac/ That might work for you as well (with IE6). I'm not a fan of using a VM just to run a single lousy program. I've used that to control a Linksys PTZ camera. Click to expand...

maw4bc said: I don't just need IE to work on my mac I need IE AND ActiveX to be functional. I am not sure that ActiveX will work with this method. Do you know by chance? Click to expand...

• Jul 16, 2012

sammich said: Yes it does work with ActiveX, it's kinda why I suggested it Click to expand...

April Frost

Macrumors newbie.

• Apr 2, 2018

April Frost said: Hi Sammich, I realise this is a very old thread, but I'm hoping you see this. I have a similar problem in that a company I just started working for wants me to install their Excel workbook that generates prewritten emails through MS Outlook and uses ActiveX. It was designed for Windows, and I have a Macbook running Excel for Mac 2011, so it's giving me all kinds of error messages and says the Mac doesn't support ActiveX and lets me open a read-only version, saying that if I make changes or try to save it, it will delete the unsupported content. Will this fix work for me? If I install VirtualBox and an IE (you think IE6 is best?? Or IE11?), will the Excel program somehow find what it needs to generate the emails? (I'm assuming it's ActiveX that generates them) Thanks in advance! Click to expand...

• Search forums
• Blue Iris 5 Discount! $62.99
• Blue Iris Cloud - Cloud Storage / Backup
• General Talk
• Camera Installation Questions

Browser for IP-Cams which need ActiveX and are not supported by new Browser generations anymore

• Thread starter Yppps
• Start date Nov 19, 2022
• Tags activex browser not supported old ip cam windows10

Getting comfortable

Edge in IE mode works for me.  

looktall said: Edge in IE mode works for me. Click to expand...

TonyR said: Pale Moon 32 bit works for me (and others). Click to expand...

sebastiantombs

Known around here.

The simple solution is to shut off Windows updates. Windows updates break way more than they ever fix.  

Pulling my weight

I have recently bought an Empire Starlight from Amazon. I only buy from Amazon because returns are instantly approved and credit is given within 5 hours of return to the local UPS store. During the last 2 weeks I purchased an Empire cam 4 times. I returned everyone except for the very last one for the same reasons. They came with an IP setting of 192.168.1. xxx :37777. I have 4th one still in my possession and am determined to fix it. I tried every browser mentioned here, even Edge in Internet Explorer mode. All have issues. I even emailed Andy from Empire. They sent me a link to a you tube video that was running in hyper speed and was 15th the normal dimensions ( I assume this was due to carelessly sending it via internet connection which compressed everything). I have seen this happen to me once before about 10 years ago). Is there any way to get an earlier version of internet explore with active x? Or is there another way? Or should I just give up? I will not buy from anyone except Amazon because I have had 2 really bad experiences. Dee  

dee said: I have recently bought an Empire Starlight from Amazon. I only buy from Amazon because returns are instantly approved and credit is given within 5 hours of return to the local UPS store. During the last 2 weeks I purchased an Empire cam 4 times. I returned everyone except for the very last one for the same reasons. They came with an IP setting of 192.168.1. xxx :37777. I have 4th one still in my possession and am determined to fix it. I tried every browser mentioned here, even Edge in Internet Explorer mode. All have issues. I even emailed Andy from Empire. They sent me a link to a you tube video that was running in hyper speed and was 15th the normal dimensions ( I assume this was due to carelessly sending it via internet connection which compressed everything). I have seen this happen to me once before about 10 years ago). Is there any way to get an earlier version of internet explore with active x? Or is there another way? Or should I just give up? I will not buy from anyone except Amazon because I have had 2 really bad experiences. Dee Click to expand...

If you're running Win10 try typing "explorer" in the search bar. That should bring up a list that includes good, old, Internet Explorer. Bring that up and simply type in the IP of the camera (assuming your PC is on the 192.168.1.xxx subnet). The port number is inconsequential. If you can't get to Internet Explorer, download and install Pale Moon browser in the 32 bit version. You can access the camera through the same IP that would be used for Internet Exxplorer. I have almost two dozen Dahua cameras, from old 2MP bullets to the latest 4K-T and have never, ever, had a problem accessing the camera GUI to configure it. I've never used a port number when accessing the camera and can't understand why you're entering a port number.  

sebastiantombs said: If you're running Win10 try typing "explorer" in the search bar. That should bring up a list that includes good, old, Internet Explorer. Bring that up and simply type in the IP of the camera (assuming your PC is on the 192.168.1.xxx subnet). The port number is inconsequential. If you can't get to Internet Explorer, download and install Pale Moon browser in the 32 bit version. You can access the camera through the same IP that would be used for Internet Exxplorer. I have almost two dozen Dahua cameras, from old 2MP bullets to the latest 4K-T and have never, ever, had a problem accessing the camera GUI to configure it. I've never used a port number when accessing the camera and can't understand why you're entering a port number. Click to expand...

Or use the Dahua IP config tool. It can be used across subnets. See the dahuawiki.com Your problem is user error.  

dee said: They came with an IP setting of 192.168.1. xxx :37777. Click to expand...

• Install Pale Moon 32 bit browser as suggested by sebastiantombs.
• Note your PC's settings for its NIC (Ethernet).
• Give your PC TEMPORARILY a static IP of 192.168.1.22, subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, plug it directly into the cam or the same switch as the cam and bring up the cam's webGUI by typing 192.168.1.108 into the browser.
• Change the cam's IP to your liking.
• Put your PC's IP back where it was.

Factory Reset?

looney2ns said: Or use the Dahua IP config tool. It can be used across subnets. See the dahuawiki.com Your problem is user error. Click to expand...

Why not post #12 just for giggles....  

TonyR said: That is the default TCP port for all the Dahua/Amcrest cams I've ever used. And 192.168.1.108 is the default IP for all of those same cams...you can hard reset it to insure that. Install Pale Moon 32 bit browser as suggested by sebastiantombs. Note your PC's settings for its NIC (Ethernet). Give your PC TEMPORARILY a static IP of 192.168.1.22, subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, plug it directly into the cam or the same switch as the cam and bring up the cam's webGUI by typing 192.168.1.108 into the browser. Change the cam's IP to your liking. Put your PC's IP back where it was. Click to expand...

dee said: Have used it for years, but it is possible that I am using it wrong. I just don't know what I am doing wrong. First thing I did was to disconnect all my cameras from the POE switch. Then I looked up my cameras to on Blue Iris and found one with 192.168.0.108 Then I disconnected that and all other (4 more) from the POE switch.) The I connected the new Dahua camera to the POE switch. Then I clicked on Modify in Dahua Config Tool. Then the Initialized IPC-T544T-ZE appeared with 192.168.1.108. Clicked check mark in heading selected all underneath (the only one) Clicked Batch Modify IP Kept Static Entered: Start IP 192.168.0.1 Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 Gateway 192.168.0.1 Clicked OK Nothing happened, nothing changed. Can you tell me what I did wrong? Click to expand...

Oh, and remove the marker from DHCP in the cam network settings. So your cam IPs will be static.  

tigerwillow1

dee said: Nothing happened, nothing changed. Can you tell me what I did wrong? Click to expand...

• Installing Java
• Remove older versions
• Disable Java
• General questions
• Support options

How can I run or activate Java in the browser?

• Platform(s): Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP, macOS
• Browser(s) Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari
• Java version(s): 7.0, 8.0

Internet Explorer - Out-of-date ActiveX control blocking

Internet Explorer (IE) has a new security feature, called ActiveX control blocking to keep ActiveX controls, such as Java, up-to-date. This feature will prevent the app or web page from loading, if it finds that Java is out-of-date and will provide the option to update Java.

Java(TM) was blocked because it is out of date

When the ActiveX control blocks an older Java version, you'll see:

• In Internet Explorer: a notification bar, similar to Java(TM) was blocked because it is out of date and needs to be updated and options to Update or Run this time
• Outside IE: an Internet Explorer Security dialog, A website wants to open web content using an outdated program on your computer and options to Allow or Don't Allow running the application, as well to Update the old version.

Update Java

It is recommended you update Java before allowing the app to run. Click Update and download the latest Java version. If you don't trust the site or prompt, you can visit the java.com web site to get the latest version.

The out-of-date ActiveX control blocking applies to:

• Windows 7 SP1 Internet Explorer 8 through Internet Explorer 11
• Windows 8 Internet Explorer for the desktop

» ActiveX control blocking (Microsoft blog)

Firefox - Activate Java plug-in

Firefox implemented a new Click to Play security feature that protects against attacks, targeting plug-ins that are known to be vulnerable. This feature prevents applets from automatically loading and allows users to control what content they want to run or avoid.

• If you try to run a Java applet using a Java plug-in version that is identified as vulnerable, Firefox will prevent the applet from automatically loading and alert you that the plug-in is vulnerable.
• If an update is available, Firefox will provide the option to update or activate the plug-in. We recommend checking for updates before activating the plug-in.
• Additionally, Firefox provides an option to block or automatically activate the plug-in on a per-site basis.

» Click to Play on Firefox (mozilla.org)

Chrome browser versions 42 and above. Starting with Chrome version 42 (released April 2015), Chrome has disabled the standard way in which browsers support plugins. More info

Safari allows you to configure plug-in behavior in the browser on a website basis.

Safari Help

» Safari 6.1 and later plug-in information (support.apple.com) » Safari 8 plug-in info (help.apple.com) » Safari 9 plug-in info (help.apple.com)

Use ActiveX controls for Internet Explorer 11

Support for Internet Explorer ended on June 15, 2022

Internet Explorer 11 has been permanently disabled through a Microsoft Edge update on certain versions of Windows 10. If any site you visit needs Internet Explorer 11, you can reload it with Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge. We recommend you use Microsoft Edge  for a faster, more secure and more modern web browsing experience.

Get started with Microsoft Edge

ActiveX controls

ActiveX controls are small apps that allow websites to provide content such as videos and games. They also let you interact with content like toolbars and stock tickers when you browse the web. However, these apps can sometimes malfunction, or give you content that you don't want. 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.

ActiveX Filtering

ActiveX Filtering in Internet Explorer prevents sites from installing and using these apps. This can help keep you safer as you browse, but it can also affect the performance of certain sites. For example, when ActiveX Filtering is on, videos, games, and other interactive content might not work. 

To turn on 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 now be a check mark next to ActiveX Filtering .

Turn off ActiveX Filtering for individual sites

Open Internet Explorer and go to the site you want to allow ActiveX controls to run on.

Select the Blocked   button on the address bar, and then select Turn off ActiveX Filtering . If the Blocked  button doesn't appear on the address bar, there's no ActiveX content available on that page.

Turn off ActiveX Filtering for all sites

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 .

Adjust ActiveX settings in Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer might not be set up to download or run ActiveX controls for security reasons. Changing some advanced security settings will let you download, install, or run the control, but your PC might be more vulnerable to security threats. Only change advanced ActiveX settings if you're sure about increasing the level of risk to your PC. 

To change ActiveX settings

In Internet Explorer, select the Tools button , and then select Internet options .

Select OK , and then select OK again.

Note:  If you're unable to change ActiveX settings, you might not have permission to and you should check with your system administrator.

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

• PC & Mobile

How To Enable ActiveX on Chrome

Anna Middleton Read more May 4, 2023

ActiveX is a framework that allows different software to communicate and share functionality and information. This technology has significantly improved various software applications, offering new possibilities. But how does it work, and why is it so important?

The best way to explain its functionality is through an example. We’ll use applications that have spell-checking capabilities. The first application that comes to mind is Microsoft Word. But applications like Outlook Express use spell checkers too.

Since both cases need the same functions, programmers developed a concept that allows them to use the same code for both applications. Creating a spell checker for both applications from scratch is unnecessary.

So, in this case, a spell checker object was created and easily implemented in both apps. The same goes for others that require spell-checking. Why write the same thing over and over again?

How to Enable ActiveX on Google Chrome

ActiveX is still needed today in some situations, so why isn’t it enabled across all browsers? The answer is that Microsoft created this technology, and using it has potential security risks. By default, ActiveX only works on applications made by Microsoft, including Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc.

However, you can now enable ActiveX on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, even though this wasn’t initially possible. Here’s what you need to do.

There are two methods that you can use to enable ActiveX on Chrome. Go through both and choose the method that’s easier for you to follow.

Enable ActiveX Windows Settings

The first method to enable ActiveX for Chrome can be done from your computer’s settings. Here’s what to do:

• Type “internet properties” in the Cortana Search Bar at the bottom, then select “Internet Options.”

Now you can restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

In the second method, you enable ActiveX by adding it as a Chrome extension.

First, download and install the “IE Tab” extension from the Chrome Web Store. You get a free 2-week trial, and then you must subscribe at $19 per user per year.

Note: This extension is NOT by Microsoft. Also, it works today even with the closing of IE, and it works on Windows 10 and 11.

• Optional: Click the “extensions” icon in the upper-right section and choose “Options,” then scroll down to the bottom to change the IE version to the one you’d like to use.

If you have problems with ActiveX in Chrome after installing the IE Tab extension, close and restart the browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to more of your questions about ActiveX.

Does adding ActiveX pose a security threat?

There are possible threats when using ActiveX controls. Check for signed ActiveX options, as they are more reputable than unsigned ones.

Why can’t I use ActiveX in my browser?

Your security settings may block some of the content. Visit the Tools and Security options to choose new security settings.

Can I use ActiveX on a Mac?

Yes. All you need to do is install the IE Tab extension on your Chrome browser.

Comment Your Ideas

That’s all you need to do to enable ActiveX on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Did these methods help you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Related Posts

Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.

Lee Stanton March 14, 2024

Lee Stanton March 5, 2024

Paras Rastogi March 5, 2024

Send To Someone

Missing device.

Please enable JavaScript to submit this form.

• Operating Systems
• Photos & Videos
• Web Browsers
• Digital Cameras
• Digital Camcorders
• Mobile Phones & GPS
• Cloud Computing & SaaS
• Social Networking
• Web Publishing
• Web Services

How to Disable or Enable (Turn Off or On) ActiveX Filtering in IE9

ActiveX Filtering is a new feature in IE9 (Internet Explorer 9) which blocks and prevents ActiveX controls from automatically executed and ran on web pages. ActiveX is used by web developers to create interactive contents that embed on websites to display animations, playback videos, play music, stream live stock quotes or forex rates, view files and etc. However, ActiveX technology can also pose a security risk, especially when user visits malicious website that attempts to hack via ActiveX controls. The existence of ActiveX controls on a web page also slowdown the loading of web page, and the computer.

As a result, IE9 features ActiveX Filtering to protect end-users against risky, malicious and unreliable ActiveX controls. ActiveX Filtering allows user to block and filter out ActiveX controls for all sites, and then selectively enable or turn them back on for only the sites that user trusts.

Here’s how to enable (turn on) or disable (turn off) ActiveX Filtering in IE9. There are two options available – global setting or per-site setting.

How to Disable or Enable (Turn Off or Turn On) IE9 ActiveX Filtering For All Sites (Globally)

Note that the following change will turn off ActiveX Filtering for all tabs and windows of IE9 web browser.

• In IE9, click on Gear icon, and select Safety . Alternatively, click on Tools on menu bar (revealed by pressing Alt key).

• To turn off or enable ActiveX Filtering again to block ActiveX controls for all sites, just check (tick) back the ActiveX Filtering option.

How to Disable or Enable (Turn Off or Turn On) IE9 ActiveX Filtering For Individual Site

• In IE9, browse to the web page where you want to whitelist the site to allow it to run ActiveX controls.

• To enable ActiveX Filtering for the site, just click on the icon again and select Turn on ActiveX Filtering. The icon will turn blue when enabled.

ActiveX Filtering may cause Java applets not loading and Flash or Silverlight not installed and media not played issues in IE9.

Share This Post

Recent posts.

• Able2Extract Professional 11 Review – A Powerful PDF Tool
• How to Install Windows 10 & Windows 8.1 with Local Account (Bypass Microsoft Account Sign In)
• How to Upgrade CentOS/Red Hat/Fedora Linux Kernel (cPanel WHM)
• How to Install Popcorn Time Movies & TV Shows Streaming App on iOS (iPhone & iPad) With No Jailbreak
• Stream & Watch Free Torrent Movies & TV Series on iOS with Movie Box (No Jailbreak)

Tip and Trick

• How To Download HBO Shows On iPhone, iPad Through Apple TV App
• Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19025 (20H1) for PC Official Available for Insiders in Fast Ring – Here’s What’s News, Fixes, and Enhancement Changelog
• Kaspersky Total Security 2020 Free Download With License Serial Key
• Steganos Privacy Suite 19 Free Download With Genuine License Key
• Zemana AntiMalware Premium Free Download For Limited Time
• Legal (DMCA)
• Privacy Policy