Steps to enable ActiveX controls if you are confident the file is safe

Modified on Mon, 14 Jul at 8:19 AM

While enabling ActiveX controls is not recommended due to security concerns, you can enable them through the Trust Center if necessary.

Caution: Changing ActiveX settings will apply to all files in Office applications: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio – not just the file in which you make the change.

Select File, then Options.
Select Trust Center, then the Trust Center Settings button.
Select ActiveX Settings, then make sure Prompt me before enabling all controls with minimal restrictions.
Select OK, then OK again to save your settings and go back to your document.

For optimal security, Microsoft strongly encourages leaving ActiveX controls disabled unless absolutely necessary.