Discover where ActiveX is installed on a PC and explore the registry locations for these browser-enhancing controls. Gain insights into user permissions and web browser preferences
What is ActiveX?
Originally it referred to a set of applications developed by Microsoft in order to allow or improve the good performance of web pages . Thanks to them, it was possible to reproduce images and animations of excellent quality, as if it were local.
With the passage of time, ActiveX is understood to be a type of programming language (such as Java, for example) that is no longer limited to Microsoft. That is, it has support for other operating systems such as Linux or Macintosh, where you can also download and install them.
Where is ActiveX installed?
ActiveX components are typically installed in specific locations on a Windows PC. Here’s a guide in tabular form to show where you might find ActiveX installations:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| C:\Windows\System32 | Common directory for 32-bit ActiveX controls and DLLs. |
| C:\Windows\SysWOW64 | Directory for 64-bit Windows systems to store 32-bit ActiveX controls and DLLs. |
| C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files | Default directory for ActiveX controls and Java applets downloaded from the Internet. |
| Registry (Various Keys) | ActiveX information and settings are stored in the Windows Registry under multiple keys, such as HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. |
| Internet Explorer | ActiveX controls specific to Internet Explorer are typically managed within the browser’s settings. |
Note:
- The actual location can vary based on the specific ActiveX control and the installer used.
- ActiveX is primarily used in Internet Explorer and might not be relevant for other browsers.
- Accessing and modifying ActiveX controls and the Windows Registry requires administrative privileges and should be done cautiously.
ActiveX is configured by default in Windows, so changing its download location implies altering the registry. To find out where ActiveX is installed it is necessary to locate the folder on the system. To do this, you just have to follow the following steps.
First, you must locate “My Computer” or “Computer” if you have the most up-to-date version of Windows. Once there, enter the disk where you have the operating system installed, usually it is disk “C”.
Now you must find the folder called “Windows” which you must also access. In this folder corresponds find another whose name is “Downloaded Program Files” or “Downloaded Program Files” in English. Once you are inside this folder, it only remains to locate the one called “ActiveX”
In conclusion, ActiveX controls are installed on a PC by registering their information in specific locations within the Windows Registry. The exact location can vary depending on user permissions and web browser preferences. By exploring the registry locations mentioned in this article, you can gain insights into where ActiveX controls are installed on your PC. Remember, navigating and modifying the Windows Registry requires caution and should only be done if you have sufficient knowledge and confidence in handling such tasks.
So, the next time you encounter ActiveX controls while browsing the web, you’ll have a better understanding of where they are installed on your PC!
