How to Allow Users to Install ActiveX

Microsoft Windows, the world's most-used PC operating system, utilizes a slew of different applications in its standard Internet browser; some are made by Microsoft, but others are made by third-party developers. Among the methods use to distribute these applications are programs called ActiveX controls. ActiveX allows for customized programs to be installed onto your computer by websites. Needless to say, these programs can be dangerous, and so the ability to download ActiveX applications is restricted to the computer's administrator account. Regrettably, this cannot be changed in Windows XP or Windows 7; however, it can be altered in Windows Vista.

• 1

  Open the "Start" menu and navigate to "Control Panel."

• 2

  Double-click on "Programs."

• 3

  Open "Turn Windows Features On and Off." This will open a new window.

• 4

  Check the box next to "ActiveX Installer Service" in order to enable it.

• 5

  Click "OK." Restart your computer when prompted to do so.

• 6

  Enter your Local Group Policy editor via your Control Panel.

• 7

  Navigate to "Administrative Templates," then Windows Components." Open "ActiveX Installer Service."

• 8

  Click on the "Show" button.

• 9

  Using the "Add" button, add any website from which you wish to allow other users to download ActiveX controls.

• 10

  Return to the ActiveX Installer Service and click "OK." to complete the process.