How to Update ActiveX Controls

Microsoft's Internet Explorer uses ActiveX controls to enable webpages to perform some functions on your computer. These programs can enable you to watch videos on some sites or play a game. Microsoft uses ActiveX on its Security Updates page. Sometimes, websites make changes to the ActiveX controls on their pages. Unless you update the controls on your computer, you might not be able to view the site or access its full functionality.

Step 1

Open Internet Explorer and navigate to the website that has the ActiveX control you want to update.

Step 2

Look around the site that has the blocked ActiveX control to determine if the site is trustworthy and for why you need the control. If you trust the site, click "Allow" to download and install the updated ActiveX control.

Step 3

Click "Install ActiveX." The link will display near the top of your browser. The control will install automatically.

Warning

• Do not install ActiveX controls from untrustworthy websites. Consider who owns the site and the site's reputation.

References

• Microsoft: What is an ActiveX Control?
• Microsoft: Why Does Internet Explorer Block Some ActiveX Controls?

Resources

• Microsoft: When to Trust a Website
• Microsoft: Internet Explorer

About the Author

A professional writer, Michael Butler has been writing Web content since 2010. Butler brings expertise in legal and computer issues to his how-to articles. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Washburn University. Butler also has a Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington.

Photo Credits

• Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images News/Getty Images