How to Enable Active X in Chrome
ActiveX is a technology created by Microsoft that allows interactive content to be displayed in web browsers. By default, Google Chrome does not support ActiveX controls, but there are ways to enable them if necessary. In this article, we will guide you through the process of enabling ActiveX in Chrome and answer some frequently asked questions.
Enabling ActiveX in Chrome:
Method 1: Using Internet Explorer Tab Extension
Step 1: Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
Step 2: Search for the “IE Tab” extension and click on “Add to Chrome” to install it.
Step 3: Once installed, you will see an “IE” icon on the top right corner of your browser. Click on it to open an Internet Explorer tab within Chrome.
Step 4: In the Internet Explorer tab, navigate to the webpage that requires ActiveX controls.
Step 5: Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select “Internet Options.”
Step 6: In the Internet Options window, go to the “Security” tab and click on “Custom level.”
Step 7: Scroll down the settings until you find the “ActiveX controls and plug-ins” section.
Step 8: Enable the desired ActiveX controls by selecting “Enable” or “Prompt” for each control.
Step 9: Click on “OK” to save the changes and close the Internet Options window.
You have now enabled ActiveX controls in Chrome using the IE Tab extension.
Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor (Windows only)
Note: This method requires the Windows Group Policy Editor, which is only available in certain versions of Windows.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
Step 3: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to “User Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Internet Explorer” > “Internet Control Panel” > “Security Page.”
Step 4: Double-click on “Internet Zone: Allow ActiveX Filtering” and select “Enabled” to disable ActiveX filtering.
Step 5: Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Method 3: Using a Registry Hack
Note: Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky, so it is recommended to create a backup before proceeding.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: In the Registry Editor, navigate to “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\.”
Step 4: Right-click on the “Zones” key and select “Export” to create a backup of the key.
Step 5: Now, look for a key with a number between 0 and 4 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4) that corresponds to the zone where the webpage with ActiveX controls is located.
Step 6: Double-click on the key and change the “DWORD” value data to “0” to enable ActiveX controls for that zone.
Step 7: Click on “OK” to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.
FAQs:
Q: Why doesn’t Chrome support ActiveX controls by default?
A: Google Chrome prioritizes security and stability, and ActiveX controls have a history of being vulnerable to security risks. Therefore, Chrome does not support ActiveX controls by default.
Q: Are there any alternatives to ActiveX controls?
A: Yes, there are alternative technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript, and browser plugins that can be used to achieve similar functionality without relying on ActiveX.
Q: Can I enable ActiveX controls on a Mac?
A: No, ActiveX controls are specific to Windows and are not supported on macOS or other operating systems.
Q: Do I need to install additional software to enable ActiveX controls in Chrome?
A: No, the methods mentioned in this article do not require any additional software. However, the IE Tab extension mentioned in Method 1 needs to be installed from the Chrome Web Store.
In conclusion, enabling ActiveX controls in Chrome can be achieved using various methods such as using the IE Tab extension, Group Policy Editor, or modifying the Windows Registry. However, it is important to note that enabling ActiveX controls may pose security risks, so it should only be done when absolutely necessary and with caution.