How to Delete Internet Explorer ActiveX Controls

What are ActiveX Controls?

ActiveX controls are small, reusable software components that can be used to enhance the functionality of websites and applications in Internet Explorer. They are essentially mini-programs that allow websites to offer interactive content, such as multimedia elements or specialized functionalities. ActiveX Controls can be used for a wide range of purposes, including displaying videos, running animations, or facilitating data input.

Developed by Microsoft, ActiveX Controls made their debut in Internet Explorer 3.0 and have since become a common feature of the browser. They are similar to Java applets and Flash animations, but with the advantage of being easily integrated into websites and applications without requiring additional software installations.

ActiveX Controls are primarily designed to work with Internet Explorer and may not be supported by other web browsers. They are written in various programming languages, such as C++ or Visual Basic, and are often distributed as DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files.

One key advantage of ActiveX Controls is their versatility. They can be used to enable advanced functionalities that are not readily available through standard HTML and JavaScript. For example, ActiveX Controls can provide advanced image editing tools, connect to external databases, or even perform complex calculations. This flexibility has made ActiveX Controls popular among developers who want to enhance their websites or create specialized applications.

Despite their advantages, however, ActiveX Controls have attracted some criticism due to security concerns. Since ActiveX Controls have full access to the computer’s resources, they can potentially be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or harm the system. Therefore, it is important for users to be cautious when granting permissions to ActiveX Controls and ensure that they are sourced from trusted and reputable websites.

Why Would You Want to Delete ActiveX Controls?

While ActiveX Controls can enhance the functionality and interactivity of websites and applications, there may be instances where you would want to delete them. Here are a few reasons why you might choose to remove ActiveX Controls from your Internet Explorer browser:

Security Concerns: As mentioned earlier, ActiveX Controls have been associated with security vulnerabilities. Malicious websites or poorly-coded ActiveX Controls can put your computer at risk of malware infections or unauthorized access. By deleting unnecessary or potentially risky ActiveX Controls, you can reduce the chances of encountering security threats.
Performance Issues: Some websites may contain multiple ActiveX Controls, which can consume significant system resources and slow down your browsing experience. This is especially true for outdated or poorly optimized ActiveX Controls. By removing unnecessary or problematic ones, you can improve the performance of your browser and enjoy faster loading times.
Compatibility Problems: ActiveX Controls are primarily designed for Internet Explorer and may not work properly or at all on other web browsers. If you primarily use a different browser or if you have switched to a browser that no longer supports ActiveX Controls, it makes sense to delete them to avoid compatibility issues.
Browsing Preferences: Personal preferences and browsing habits change over time. You may have installed ActiveX Controls in the past for a specific purpose, but no longer find them necessary or useful. Deleting unused ActiveX Controls can declutter your browser and streamline your browsing experience.

It’s worth noting that while deleting ActiveX Controls can resolve certain issues, doing so may also remove specific functionalities or features from websites or applications. Before deleting any ActiveX Control, it’s important to understand its purpose and impact. If you’re unsure about the consequences, it’s advisable to seek guidance from knowledgeable individuals or IT professionals.

How to Delete ActiveX Controls in Internet Explorer 11

If you are using Internet Explorer 11 and want to delete ActiveX Controls that are no longer needed or pose a security risk, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

Launch the Internet Explorer browser on your computer by double-clicking on its icon or finding it in the Start menu.

Step 2: Access the Manage Add-ons Window

Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the browser window to open the Tools menu. From the drop-down menu, select “Manage add-ons” to open the Manage Add-ons window.

Step 3: Locate the ActiveX Controls

In the Manage Add-ons window, click on the “Toolbars and Extensions” option on the left-hand side. This will display a list of all the extensions and ActiveX Controls currently installed in your browser.

Step 4: Select the ActiveX Control to Delete

Scroll through the list of ActiveX Controls and locate the one you want to delete. Click on it to select it.

Step 5: Delete the ActiveX Control

At the bottom of the Manage Add-ons window, you will see a few buttons. Click on the “Disable” or “Remove” button, depending on the options available. This will delete the selected ActiveX Control from your browser.

Step 6: Confirm the Deletion

A confirmation prompt may appear to ensure that you want to remove the ActiveX Control. Read the message carefully and click “Yes” or “OK” to proceed with the deletion.

By following these steps, you can easily delete ActiveX Controls in Internet Explorer 11. It’s important to note that some ActiveX Controls may be required for certain websites or applications to function properly. Consequently, exercising caution and only deleting those that are unnecessary or pose a potential risk is recommended.

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

To begin the process of deleting ActiveX Controls in Internet Explorer, you need to open the browser. Follow these steps to open Internet Explorer on your computer:

Click on the Start menu: Locate the Start button on your computer’s taskbar, typically located in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Click on the Start button to open the Start menu.
Search for Internet Explorer: In the search bar of the Start menu, type “Internet Explorer” and wait for the search results to appear.
Select Internet Explorer: From the search results, click on the Internet Explorer application to launch the browser. Alternatively, you may find the Internet Explorer icon directly in your Start menu or on your desktop, in which case you can simply click on it to open the browser.

After following these steps, Internet Explorer will open, and you can proceed to the next step in deleting ActiveX Controls.

Keep in mind that Internet Explorer may not be the default browser on your computer, especially if you are using a newer version of Windows. In such cases, you may need to locate Internet Explorer in the list of installed applications or access it through the “All Programs” menu. If you’re still unable to find Internet Explorer, it’s possible that it is not installed on your computer. In that case, you may need to install it before proceeding with the deletion of ActiveX Controls.

It’s important to note that Internet Explorer is no longer the default browser for many users, as other browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox have gained popularity. However, if you’re specifically looking to delete ActiveX Controls in Internet Explorer, following these steps will guide you in opening the browser.

Step 2: Access the Manage Add-ons Window

In order to delete ActiveX Controls in Internet Explorer, you need to access the Manage Add-ons window. This can be done by following these steps:

Click on the gear icon: Look for the gear icon, which is located in the top-right corner of the Internet Explorer window. Click on it to open the Tools menu.
Select “Manage add-ons”: From the drop-down menu that appears after clicking the gear icon, choose the “Manage add-ons” option. This will open the Manage Add-ons window.

Alternatively, you can use a keyboard shortcut to access the Manage Add-ons window. Simply press the Alt key on your keyboard to display the menu bar, and then go to “Tools” and select “Manage add-ons.”

Upon performing either of these actions, the Manage Add-ons window will open, which allows you to view and manage various extensions, including ActiveX Controls, in Internet Explorer.

It’s important to note that the location of the gear icon and the names of menu options may vary depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using. In some versions, the gear icon may be replaced with the word “Tools.” Regardless of the visual differences, the actions required to access the Manage Add-ons window should remain similar.

The Manage Add-ons window is a crucial component of Internet Explorer that allows you to modify and control various aspects of your browser experience. It enables you to manage extensions, such as ActiveX Controls, and empowers you to customize your browsing experience according to your preferences and needs.

Step 3: Locate the ActiveX Controls

After opening the Manage Add-ons window in Internet Explorer, the next step in deleting ActiveX Controls is to locate the specific controls you wish to remove. Follow these steps to find the ActiveX Controls:

Choose the “Toolbars and Extensions” option: On the left-hand side of the Manage Add-ons window, you will see a list of categories. Click on the “Toolbars and Extensions” option to access the section that contains ActiveX Controls.
Browse through the list: In the main area of the Manage Add-ons window, you will now see a list of all the installed extensions and ActiveX Controls. Scroll through the list to locate the ActiveX Controls you want to delete. The list may be sorted in alphabetical order or by other criteria, depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using.

ActiveX Controls are usually marked with their name and publisher information, making them relatively easy to identify in the list. However, be cautious when selecting controls for deletion to avoid removing any important or necessary controls that may be required for specific websites or applications to function correctly.

If you have a long list of ActiveX Controls, you can use the search functionality provided in the Manage Add-ons window. Look for a search bar, usually located in the top-right corner of the window, and type in keywords related to the ActiveX Controls you are looking for. This can help to quickly narrow down the list and locate the desired controls.

It’s important to note that while deleting unnecessary or potentially risky ActiveX Controls is generally advised, some controls may be necessary for the proper functioning of certain websites or applications. Exercise caution and ensure that you are familiar with the purpose and impact of each ActiveX Control before proceeding with their deletion.

Step 4: Select the ActiveX Control to Delete

Once you have located the list of ActiveX Controls in the Manage Add-ons window of Internet Explorer, the next step is to select the specific control that you want to delete. Follow these steps to select the ActiveX Control for removal:

Scroll through the list: Peruse the list of ActiveX Controls and extensions in the Manage Add-ons window. Take your time to locate the specific ActiveX Control that you wish to delete.
Select the ActiveX Control: Once you have identified the ActiveX Control, click on it to select it. Depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using, you may need to single-click, double-click, or use the arrow keys and press Enter to select the control.

When selecting the ActiveX Control, ensure that you have chosen the correct control for deletion. It is important to exercise caution and verify that you are removing the intended control, as deleting the wrong control can potentially affect the functionality of websites or applications that rely on it.

If you’re unsure about the purpose or necessity of a particular ActiveX Control, you can research its name and publisher to gain a better understanding of its role. This will help you make an informed decision regarding whether or not to delete it.

Remember, ActiveX Controls can provide additional functionalities or features to websites and applications. Be selective in choosing the controls to delete, and ensure that you are removing only those that are unnecessary, potentially risky, or no longer needed for your browsing experience.

Step 5: Delete the ActiveX Control

After selecting the specific ActiveX Control that you wish to delete in the Manage Add-ons window of Internet Explorer, the next step is to remove it from your browser. Follow these steps to delete the ActiveX Control:

Locate the deletion option: At the bottom of the Manage Add-ons window, you will see a set of buttons or options that allow you to manage the selected ActiveX Control.
Click on the “Disable” or “Remove” button: Look for a button labeled “Disable” or “Remove,” depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using. It is usually located towards the bottom-right corner of the window. Click on this button to initiate the deletion process.

By clicking the “Disable” or “Remove” button, you are instructing Internet Explorer to remove the selected ActiveX Control from your browser. The control will no longer be available for use, and its associated functionalities will be disabled.

In some cases, you may come across variations in the wording of the deletion options. For example, instead of “Disable” or “Remove,” you may see options such as “Turn Off” or “Delete.” Regardless of the specific wording, these options serve the same purpose of removing the selected ActiveX Control from your browser.

It’s important to note that deleting an ActiveX Control will permanently remove it from your browser. If you encounter any issues or find that you need the control in the future, you may need to reinstall it or seek an alternative solution.

Before confirming the deletion, take a final moment to ensure that you have selected the correct ActiveX Control for removal. Verifying your selection can help prevent the accidental deletion of essential controls and avoid any unintended consequences.

Step 6: Confirm the Deletion

After initiating the deletion process of an ActiveX Control in Internet Explorer’s Manage Add-ons window, it is important to confirm the deletion to proceed. Follow these steps to confirm the deletion:

Confirmation prompt: Once you have clicked the “Disable” or “Remove” button for the selected ActiveX Control, a confirmation prompt will usually appear to ensure that you want to proceed with the deletion.
Read the confirmation message: Take a moment to carefully read the confirmation message that appears on your screen. It may inform you about the consequences of deleting the ActiveX Control and any potential impact it could have on your browsing experience.
Click “Yes” or “OK” to confirm: If you are certain about deleting the ActiveX Control, click the “Yes” or “OK” button in the confirmation prompt to proceed with the deletion. This action confirms your decision and finalizes the removal of the selected control.

Confirming the deletion ensures that you have authorized the removal of the ActiveX Control from your browser. This step helps to prevent any accidental deletions and gives you the opportunity to reconsider your decision if necessary.

It’s important to note that the specific wording and appearance of the confirmation prompt may vary depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using. However, the options to either confirm or cancel the deletion should remain consistent.

Once you have confirmed the deletion, the ActiveX Control will be permanently removed from your browser. It’s a good practice to refresh the webpage or restart your browser to ensure that the changes take effect. If you have any concerns or regrets after confirming the deletion, you may need to reinstall the specific ActiveX Control or seek an alternative solution if required in the future.

How to Delete ActiveX Controls in Older Versions of Internet Explorer

If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer and want to delete ActiveX Controls, the process may differ slightly compared to Internet Explorer 11. Follow these steps to delete ActiveX Controls in older versions of Internet Explorer:

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

To begin, open Internet Explorer by double-clicking on its icon or finding it in the Start menu, similar to the steps described in the previous section.

Step 2: Access the Tools Menu

Next, locate the Tools menu in Internet Explorer. In older versions, you can find it at the top of the browser window, above the address bar. Click on the Tools menu to open it.

Step 3: Click on Manage Add-ons

From the Tools menu, select the “Manage Add-ons” or “Manage Plugins” option. This will open the Manage Add-ons window, which allows you to manage various extensions, including ActiveX Controls.

Step 4: Locate the ActiveX Controls

In the Manage Add-ons window, navigate to the appropriate section that lists ActiveX Controls. This may be labeled as “Toolbars and Extensions,” “Plugins,” or a similar name, depending on the version of Internet Explorer.

Step 5: Select the ActiveX Control to Delete

Scroll through the list of ActiveX Controls and select the one you wish to delete. Click on it to highlight and select it for deletion.

Step 6: Delete the ActiveX Control

At the bottom of the Manage Add-ons window, you will typically find a button or option to delete the selected ActiveX Control. This may be labeled as “Disable,” “Turn Off,” “Delete,” or something similar. Click on this option to initiate the deletion process.

Step 7: Confirm the Deletion

In some older versions of Internet Explorer, a confirmation prompt may appear to confirm the deletion of the ActiveX Control. Read the message carefully and click “Yes” or “OK” to proceed with the deletion.

By following these steps, you can delete ActiveX Controls in older versions of Internet Explorer. Although the specific locations and names of options may vary, the general process should be similar. Remember to exercise caution when deleting ActiveX Controls and ensure that you are only removing those that are unnecessary or potentially harmful to your browsing experience.

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

To get started with deleting ActiveX Controls in older versions of Internet Explorer, you’ll need to open the browser. Follow these steps to open Internet Explorer on your computer:

Locate the Internet Explorer icon: Look for the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop or in your computer’s Start menu. The icon typically features a blue “e” symbol.
Double-click the Internet Explorer icon: Once you’ve located the Internet Explorer icon, double-click on it to launch the browser. Alternatively, you can right-click on the icon and select “Open” from the context menu.

Internet Explorer will then open and display a new browser window, ready for you to proceed with deleting ActiveX Controls.

If there isn’t a visible Internet Explorer icon on your desktop or Start menu, it’s possible that it may have been unpinned or removed. In such cases, you can typically find Internet Explorer by searching through the list of installed applications on your computer. Open the Start menu and click on “All Programs” or the equivalent option, then look for the Internet Explorer folder. Within this folder, you should find the Internet Explorer program or shortcut that you can click to launch the browser.

It’s important to note that older versions of Internet Explorer, such as Internet Explorer 8 or earlier, may not be supported or available on newer operating systems. If you’re using a more recent version of Windows, you may need to consider using a more modern web browser like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox to delete ActiveX Controls.

Step 2: Access the Tools Menu

In order to delete ActiveX Controls in older versions of Internet Explorer, you will need to access the Tools menu. Follow these steps to access the Tools menu in Internet Explorer:

Open Internet Explorer: Locate the Internet Explorer icon on your computer’s desktop or in the Start menu. Double-click on the icon to launch the browser.
Find the Tools menu: Look for the menu bar at the top of the Internet Explorer window. On the menu bar, you should see various options including “File,” “Edit,” “View,” “Favorites,” “Tools,” and “Help.”
Click on “Tools”: From the menu bar, click on “Tools” to open the dropdown menu. This will display a list of additional options related to managing your browser settings and add-ons.

In some older versions of Internet Explorer, the menu bar may not be visible by default. If you don’t see the menu bar, you can try pressing the Alt key on your keyboard to temporarily display it. Alternatively, you can right-click on a blank area near the top of the browser window and check the box next to “Menu Bar” to make it permanently visible.

Accessing the Tools menu in Internet Explorer is essential for managing various browser settings and options. It allows you to navigate through different browser functions, including accessing the Manage Add-ons window where you can delete ActiveX Controls.

It’s worth noting that the appearance and layout of the Tools menu may vary slightly depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using. However, the option to access the Tools menu and proceed with managing your browser settings should be generally consistent across older versions of Internet Explorer.

Step 3: Click on Manage Add-ons

After accessing the Tools menu in older versions of Internet Explorer, the next step is to click on “Manage Add-ons” to access the window where you can manage your browser extensions, including ActiveX Controls. Follow these steps to proceed:

Open Internet Explorer: Launch Internet Explorer by double-clicking on the desktop icon or finding it in the Start menu.
Access the Tools menu: Locate the menu bar at the top of the Internet Explorer window. Click on “Tools” to open the dropdown menu.
Click on “Manage Add-ons”: From the Tools menu, navigate your cursor to the “Manage Add-ons” option and click on it. This will open the Manage Add-ons window, where you can view and manage various extensions.

In some older versions of Internet Explorer, you may find the “Manage Add-ons” option labeled as “Manage Plugins” or something similar. Regardless of the specific wording, selecting this option will take you to the window where you can manage your browser add-ons, including ActiveX Controls.

Alternatively, you may be able to use a keyboard shortcut to directly access the Manage Add-ons window. Press the Alt key on your keyboard to display the menu bar, then use the arrow keys to highlight “Tools” and press Enter. Next, navigate to “Manage Add-ons” using the arrow keys and press Enter to access the window.

Once you have clicked on “Manage Add-ons” or its equivalent in your version of Internet Explorer, the Manage Add-ons window will open, providing you with a view of all the installed add-ons, including ActiveX Controls. This window allows you to manage and delete specific controls as needed.

Step 4: Locate the ActiveX Controls

After opening the Manage Add-ons window in older versions of Internet Explorer, the next step is to locate the ActiveX Controls that you want to delete. Follow these steps to find the ActiveX Controls:

Check the “Enable or Disable Add-ons” tab: In the Manage Add-ons window, there will be different tabs or sections that categorize the various types of add-ons. Look for the tab named “Enable or Disable Add-ons” or a similar option.
Inspect the list of add-ons: Within the “Enable or Disable Add-ons” tab, you will find a list of all the installed add-ons, including ActiveX Controls. This list may display the name, publisher, and type of each add-on.
Scroll through the list: Scroll through the list to locate the ActiveX Controls that you want to delete. As you browse, pay attention to the names and publishers to help identify the specific controls.

ActiveX Controls are typically labeled with their names and publisher information, making them distinguishable in the list. They may also be listed under the “Extensions” or “Plugins” category, depending on your Internet Explorer version.

If you have a large number of add-ons installed, you can use the search functionality provided in the Manage Add-ons window. Look for a search bar or a magnifying glass icon, usually located in the top-right corner of the window. Enter keywords related to the ActiveX Controls you are searching for, and the list will be filtered accordingly.

It’s important to exercise caution when selecting ActiveX Controls for deletion. Ensure that you are removing only the controls that are unnecessary or potentially harmful. Some controls may be necessary for specific websites or applications to function correctly. Take the time to verify the purpose and impact of each ActiveX Control before proceeding with their deletion.

Step 5: Select the ActiveX Control to Delete

Once you have located the list of ActiveX Controls in the “Enable or Disable Add-ons” section of the Manage Add-ons window in older versions of Internet Explorer, the next step is to select the specific control that you want to delete. Follow these steps to select the ActiveX Control for removal:

Scroll through the list: Take your time to scroll through the list of ActiveX Controls displayed in the Manage Add-ons window. Familiarize yourself with the names and publishers of the controls.
Select the ActiveX Control: Once you have identified the ActiveX Control that you wish to delete, click on it to select it. Depending on your version of Internet Explorer, you may need to single-click, double-click, or use the arrow keys and press Enter to select the control.

When selecting the ActiveX Control, take a moment to ensure that you have chosen the correct control for deletion. It’s important to exercise caution and verify that you are indeed removing the intended control and not an essential control required for specific websites or applications to function properly.

Step 6: Delete the ActiveX Control

Once you have selected the specific ActiveX Control that you wish to delete in the Manage Add-ons window of older versions of Internet Explorer, the next step is to remove it from your browser. Follow these steps to delete the ActiveX Control:

Locate the deletion option: Look for a button or option within the Manage Add-ons window that allows you to delete or remove the selected ActiveX Control. The wording of this option may vary depending on your version of Internet Explorer, but it is typically labeled as “Remove,” “Delete,” or “Disable.”
Delete the ActiveX Control: Click on the appropriate button or option to initiate the deletion process. This action will remove the selected ActiveX Control from your browser.

It’s important to note that the specific location and appearance of the deletion option may vary depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using. However, the purpose of the option remains the same – to remove the selected ActiveX Control.

Upon deletion, the ActiveX Control will be permanently removed from your browser. It will no longer be available for use and its associated functionalities will be disabled.

Before confirming the deletion, take a moment to ensure that you have selected the correct ActiveX Control for removal. It’s crucial to verify your selection to prevent the accidental deletion of essential controls and to avoid any unintended consequences.

Deleting an ActiveX Control may impact the functionality of websites or applications that rely on it. If you experience any issues or find that you need the control in the future, you may need to reinstall it or seek alternative solutions.

Step 7: Confirm the Deletion

After initiating the deletion process of an ActiveX Control in older versions of Internet Explorer’s Manage Add-ons window, it is important to confirm the deletion to proceed. Follow these steps to confirm the deletion:

Confirmation prompt: Once you have clicked the deletion option to remove the ActiveX Control, a confirmation prompt may appear to confirm your action.
Read the confirmation message: Take a moment to carefully read the message that appears on your screen. The message is meant to provide information regarding the consequences of deleting the ActiveX Control.
Click “Yes” or “OK” to confirm: If you are certain about deleting the ActiveX Control, click the “Yes” or “OK” button in the confirmation prompt to proceed with the deletion. This action confirms your decision and finalizes the removal of the selected control.

Confirming the deletion ensures that you have authorized the removal of the ActiveX Control from your browser. It is a necessary step to prevent any accidental deletions and gives you the opportunity to reconsider your decision if necessary.

It’s essential to note that the specific wording and appearance of the confirmation prompt may vary depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using. However, the options to either confirm or cancel the deletion should remain consistent.

Once you have confirmed the deletion, the ActiveX Control will be permanently removed from your browser. It is advisable to refresh the webpage or restart your browser to ensure that the changes take effect. If you have any concerns or regrets after confirming the deletion, you may need to reinstall the specific ActiveX Control or seek an alternative solution if required in the future.