How to Turn on ActiveX in Chrome: Essential Tips for Optimal Browsing

ActiveX controls, once ubiquitous on the internet, are now largely considered a relic of the past. However, some legacy applications and websites still rely on them. If you’re facing an “ActiveX control not available” error in Chrome, you’re likely encountering a website that uses ActiveX. While Chrome doesn‘t officially support ActiveX, there are a few workarounds that might help you access these websites.

This guide will walk you through the process of enabling ActiveX in Chrome, emphasizing the importance of security and the limitations of these workarounds.

Understanding ActiveX and Its Limitations

ActiveX controls are small programs that can be embedded in websites to provide additional functionality. They were popular in the early days of the internet, allowing users to interact with websites in ways that were previously impossible. However, ActiveX controls have become notorious for security vulnerabilities.

Chrome, with its focus on security and stability, has chosen to phase out ActiveX support. This decision was made to protect users from malicious attacks that could exploit vulnerabilities in ActiveX controls.

Why ActiveX Might Still Be Relevant

Despite the security concerns, some websites and applications still rely on ActiveX controls. Here are a few reasons why:

• Legacy Applications: Some older software applications rely on ActiveX controls for specific features, making them incompatible with modern browsers like Chrome.
• Industry-Specific Websites: Certain industries, like finance or healthcare, might have legacy systems that use ActiveX controls for sensitive data access or specific functionalities.
• Limited Browser Support: If a website or application only supports Internet Explorer or other browsers that use ActiveX, Chrome users might face difficulties accessing them.

Workarounds for Enabling ActiveX in Chrome

While Chrome doesn‘t officially support ActiveX, there are a few workarounds that might allow you to access websites that require them. However, these methods come with significant security risks, and you should only use them if absolutely necessary.

1. Using Internet Explorer Mode in Chrome

The most common workaround is to use Internet Explorer mode within Chrome. This feature allows Chrome to render websites using the Internet Explorer engine, which supports ActiveX controls.

Here’s how to enable Internet Explorer mode:

1. Open Chrome settings: Click the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to “Compatibility”: Scroll down and click on “Compatibility” in the left-hand menu.
3. Enable “Internet Explorer mode“: Toggle the switch next to “Use Internet Explorer mode for websites that require it” to the “On” position.

Once enabled, Chrome will automatically switch to Internet Explorer mode for websites that require ActiveX. You might need to refresh the page or restart Chrome for the change to take effect.

2. Using a Virtual Machine

Another workaround is to use a virtual machine to run an older version of Windows with Internet Explorer installed. This allows you to access websites that require ActiveX without affecting your main operating system.

Here’s how to set up a virtual machine:

1. Choose a virtualization software: Popular options include VirtualBox and VMware.
2. Install an older version of Windows: Download an ISO image of an older version of Windows (Windows XP or Windows 7) and install it in the virtual machine.
3. Install Internet Explorer: Once Windows is installed, download and install the appropriate version of Internet Explorer for your operating system.

This method provides a more isolated environment for running ActiveX-dependent websites, but it’s more resource-intensive than using Internet Explorer mode in Chrome.

Security Risks of Enabling ActiveX

It’s crucial to understand the security risks associated with enabling ActiveX in Chrome. ActiveX controls are known for vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors.

Here are a few key risks:

• Malware Infection: ActiveX controls can be used to download and install malware on your computer without your knowledge or consent.
• Data Theft: Malicious ActiveX controls can steal sensitive information, such as your login credentials or financial data.
• System Instability: ActiveX controls can cause system crashes or other performance issues.

It’s highly recommended to avoid enabling ActiveX in Chrome unless absolutely necessary. If you must use ActiveX, be cautious and only access websites from trusted sources.

Alternatives to ActiveX

If you’re encountering websites that require ActiveX, consider exploring alternative solutions:

• Contact the Website Owner: Reach out to the website owner and ask if they have a modern alternative to the ActiveX-based functionality.
• Use a Different Browser: If you’re willing to switch browsers, Internet Explorer might be a better option for accessing ActiveX-dependent websites.
• Use a Web-based Alternative: Look for web-based alternatives to the functionality provided by the ActiveX control.

Final Thoughts: Prioritize Security

While ActiveX controls might seem necessary for some websites, it’s important to prioritize security. Chrome’s decision to phase out ActiveX support was made with user safety in mind. If you must use ActiveX, be extremely cautious and only access websites from trusted sources.

Consider using the workarounds mentioned above as a last resort, and explore alternatives whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to enable ActiveX in Chrome?

No, enabling ActiveX in Chrome carries significant security risks. ActiveX controls are known for vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. It’s highly recommended to avoid enabling ActiveX unless absolutely necessary.

2. What are some alternatives to ActiveX?

There are several alternatives to ActiveX, including:

• HTML5: A modern web standard that provides many of the same functionalities as ActiveX.
• JavaScript: A programming language that can be used to create interactive web experiences.
• Web APIs: A set of standardized interfaces that allow web applications to access system functionalities.

3. How do I know if a website uses ActiveX?

You can check if a website uses ActiveX by looking for the following signs:

• An error message: You might see an error message indicating that an ActiveX control is missing or unavailable.
• A prompt to install software: You might be prompted to install software that appears to be related to the website.
• Slow website performance: ActiveX controls can sometimes slow down website performance.

4. What should I do if I suspect a website is using ActiveX maliciously?

If you suspect a website is using ActiveX maliciously, you should immediately close the website and scan your computer for malware. You can also consider reporting the website to the appropriate authorities.