Disable Active Scripting in Internet Explorer

A single settings change governs how IE manages ActiveX scripts

Active Scripting (or sometimes called ActiveX Scripting) supports scripts in the Internet Explorer web browser. When enabled, scripts are free to run at will. However, you can disable scripts completely or force IE to ask you each time a script tries to open.

Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer and recommends that you update to the newer Edge browser. Head to their site to download the newest version.

How to Stop Scripts From Running in Internet Explorer

The Internet Properties control panel, not IE, controls scripting permissions:

  1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog box, then enter inetcpl.cpl.

    Run internet controls on Windows
  2. In the Internet Properties dialog box, go to the Security tab.

    The Security tab
  3. In the Select a zone section, choose Internet.

    The Internet zone in Properties
  4. In the Security level for this zone section, select the Custom level button to open the Security Settings - Internet Zone dialog box.

    The Custom Level button
  5. Scroll down to the Scripting section. Under the Active scripting header, select Disable.

    You can also choose to have IE ask you for permission each time a script attempts to run rather than disabling all scripts. If you prefer, choose Prompt instead.

    The Active Scripting options
  6. Select OK to exit the dialog box, then choose Yes to confirm that you want to change the settings for this zone.

    Windows 10 confirm change to Internet settings
  7. Select OK to exit.

    Windows 10 Internet security settings with active scripting disabled
  8. To restart Internet Explorer, exit the browser and then open it again.

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