ActiveX is a software framework developed by Microsoft that enables the software applications to share information and functionality. If we want to use features of the Microsoft applications on other applications then ActiveX must be enabled. Since ActiveX works only with Microsoft applications what if we want to use it in other applications. For example: Using WebTwainX in an application requires ActiveX that supports only Internet Explorer, but if we use it in other browsers like Chrome and Firefox then it throws ActiveX component are not supported error.
So in this article, we will see how to enable ActiveX on Chrome and Firefox. But before that let us understand Activex in detail.
What is Active x:
Activex is a framework that defines reusable software components in a programming language in an independent way. It was first released by Microsoft in the year 1996. The best example to explain Activex would be the spell-checking feature. This feature is available in Word, Excel, and Outlook. Now, creating the spell checking for the individual application is not so efficient. So instead, one spell checker Active object is created and that object is shared among the applications.
We can also create an Activex control of our own from scratch using the facility provided by ActiveX. We can also take an existing ActiveX control and add some extra features to it. Although ActiveX is not dependent on Windows operating system, ActiveX controls mostly run on Windows
With the help of ActiveX videos can be played directly in the browser without the need of a Multimedia player, pdfs can be seen from the browser, etc.
How to enable ActiveX in Chrome:
There are two methods using which you can enable ActiveX in Google Chrome. The first method is through extension and the second method is by changing the security settings. These methods can also be used to enable ActiveX in Windows 10 or older versions. Let us see each one of them in detail
#Method 1: Google Chrome Extension:
IE Tab is a Google Chrome extension that emulates Internet explorer and lets you run tasks that require Activex. This ActiveX plugin would help you solve the Activex component not supported error on Google Chrome. Here are the steps to enable ActiveX on Chrome with the help of a third-party plugin
- Open Google chrome and go to the chrome web store
- In the chrome web store type the IE tab and hit enter
- Tap on the IE tab extension by blackfishsoftware.com. A new window will appear
- In this window, click on the Add to chrome button.
- This will add this extension to your Chrome browser
#Method 2: Change Security settings:
Another method to enable active control on Chrome is by changing the security settings. Also, here are the steps to do it
- Go to search and type control panel and hit enter to open it
- In the control panel, click on the Network and Internet option
- Then click on the “Internet Options” to open Internet properties
- Next, go to the Security tab and click on the custom level button
- Scroll down and enable the options “Download Signed ActiveX Controls”, “Download Unsigned ActiveX Controls” and “Run ActiveX Control and Plug-Ins”
- Click Ok and restart the computer to save the changes
Enabling ActiveX in Firefox:
We can enable ActiveX in the Firefox browser via add-ons. Follow the below steps to install the add-on in your Firefox browser.
- Open your Firefox browsers and visit this link to download the Firefox ActiveX extension
- Next, go to the download location and double-click on the add- to install it.
- Now go back to the browser and click on the menu beside the address bar
- From the options click on the add-ons option
- In that click on the plugins tab on the left navigation pane
- You must see the ActiveX plugin there
FAQs:
Q. How do I enable ActiveX on mac?
A. In the above article I have explained how to enable activex in Chrome, Firefox browsers. The steps to enable in mac must also be the same. There might be chances that the options are moved but the process is the same.
Q. Is IE tab safe to install?
A. The IE tab extension is safe to install however you must be very careful while downloading the extension. You can follow the above-mentioned steps to install it safely on your system.
Conclusion:
So in the above article, we have explained what is ActiveX, where do we need it, and how to enable ActiveX on your Chrome and Firefox browser. If you have any queries regarding the methods you can reach out in the comment box.
