How to Enable All ActiveX Security

Enable all ActiveX security settings in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Created by Microsoft primarily for use with its Internet Explorer web browser, the ActiveX framework lets programmers create applications that expand the original feature set of the browser. Sun's Java and Adobe's Flash Player plug-ins are two widely used examples of programs delivered using ActiveX. Although most ActiveX controls are designed for legitimate purposes, some malicious programs can cause damage to your system. One way of protecting your computer against these threats is to enable all ActiveX security options at their most stringent settings.

Instructions

1. Open an Internet Explorer browser window.

2. Click "Tools" in the top menu bar and select "Internet Options."

3. Select the "Security" tab and click the "Custom level" button.

4. Scroll down the list of security settings until you reach the "ActiveX controls and plug-ins" heading.

5. Set "Allow previously unused ActiveX controls to run without prompt" to "Disable."

6. Set "Allow scriptlets" to "Disable."

7. Set "Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls" to "Disable."

8. Set "Binary and script behaviors" to "Enable."

9. Set "Display video and animation on a webpage that does not use external media player" to "Disable."

10. Set "Download signed ActiveX controls" to "Prompt" if you want the option of installing controls you specifically choose. Prevent all ActiveX controls from downloading by selecting "Disable."

11. Set "Download unsigned ActiveX controls" to "Disable."

12. Set "Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting" to "Disable."

13. Set "Only allow approved domains to use ActiveX without prompt" to "Disable."

14. Set "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins" to "Enable," unless you have security concerns about ActiveX controls you installed previously. If this is the case, prevent ActiveX controls from automatically running by choosing "Prompt" or "Disable" instead.

15. Set "Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting" to "Enable."

References

• Bright Hub: Internet Explorer security settings, ActiveX controls
• Ed Bott: Protect yourself from unwanted ActiveX controls