What Is the Internet Explorer Information Bar and How Do I Use it?

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What Is the Internet Explorer Information Bar and How Do I Use it?

Overview

Internet Explorer displays an Information Bar, just below the address bar, where you can see information about downloads, blocked pop-up windows, and other activities that have been blocked.

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Web Site Activities Blocked
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Why the Information Bar Notifies You
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How to use the Information Bar
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Messages Displayed in the Information Bar
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How to turn off the Information Bar

Click the links above for detailed instructions.

Additional Information

Web Site Activities Blocked

To provide extra security while you are browsing Web sites, the following are blocked and a message is placed in the Information Bar:

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When a Web site tries to install an ActiveX control on your computer.
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When a Web site tries to open a pop-up window.
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When a Web site tries to download a file to your computer.
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When a Web site tries to run active content on your computer.
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When a Web site tries to run an ActiveX control on your computer in an unsafe manner.

Return to Overview


Why the Information Bar Notifies You

The Information Bar notifies you so that you are aware when Internet Explorer blocks items such as:

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ActiveX controls or active content on a Web page.
If ActiveX controls or active content is blocked, the rest of a Web page will open. This will allow you to verify the Web page works without the control or active content. For most Web pages you will not notice any difference and your computer is less vulnerable when you don't install unneeded controls.
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A Web site downloading a file to your computer.
If a Web site tries to download a file to your computer you have the option to allow it to do so using the Information Bar.

How to use the Information Bar

The Information Bar is easy to use, click the message in the bar when it appears. You will have the option to allow the content on your computer or to view more information about the content being blocked.

Messages Displayed in the Information Bar

NOTE: For online safety tips refer to: Microsoft Security for Home Users

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To help protect your security, Internet Explorer stopped this site from installing an ActiveX control on your computer. Click here for options…

This message appears when a Web page tries to install an ActiveX control on your computer. For most Web pages you will not notice any difference and your computer is less vulnerable when you don't install unneeded controls. Before installing an ActiveX control on your computer, verify that the publisher is one that can be trusted.
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To help protect your security, Internet Explorer blocked this site from downloading files to your computer. Click here for options…

This message appears when a Web page tries to download one or more files that you might not have specifically requested. By blocking the files and loading the Web page, Internet Explorer allows you to verify that the file is needed in order for the Web page to function properly. If you feel you need the blocked file, make certain that you trust the file and the publisher of the file before downloading it.
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Your security settings do not allow Web sites to use ActiveX controls installed on your computer. This page may not display correctly. Click here for options…

If an ActiveX control or script tries to run from a Web page and your Security settings are set high, you may receive this message. ActiveX controls can be harmful to your computer. It is recommended to verify that the publisher of the control is one you can trust before allowing it to be installed on your computer.
If you are unsure about allowing the control to run on your computer, click the Information Bar and click What's the risk? for more information about ActiveX controls.
You must be an Administrator in order to change the ActiveX controls settings in Internet Explorer.
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Internet Explorer has blocked this site from using an ActiveX control in an unsafe manner. As a result this page may not display correctly.

When a Web site attempts to access an ActiveX control on your computer without your knowledge, you will see this message in the Information Bar. The Web page is made available but without the control running. This allows you to verify if the page will still function properly without the control.
It is not recommended that you try to allow the control to run, as it could cause problems on your computer.
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To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted this file from showing active content that could access your computer. Click here for options...

When a Web page attempts to run a script or ActiveX control on your computer this message is shown. The Web page is made available but without the script or control running. This allows you to verify if the page will still function properly without the script or control.
ActiveX controls can be hazardous to your computer and it is recommended to verify that the publisher of the control is one you can trust before allowing it to be installed on your computer.
If you are unsure about allowing the control to run on your computer click the Information Bar and click What's the risk? for more information about ActiveX controls.
If you feel you need the blocked script or control, make certain that you trust the publisher before allowing it to access your computer.
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This content might not be displayed properly. The file was restricted because the content doesn't match its security information. Click here for options...

By blocking the file and loading the Web page, Internet Explorer allows you to verify that the file is needed in order for the Web page to function properly. Verify that the file the Web site is trying to install on your computer is safe before allowing it to continue.

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This site might require the following ActiveX control: name of control From: publisher of control Click here to install...

If an ActiveX control with a valid digital signature attempts to install itself on your computer from a Web page you will see this message. The Web page is made available but without the control running. This allows you to verify if the page will still function properly without the control.
ActiveX controls can be hazardous to your computer and it is recommended to verify that the publisher of the control is one you can trust before allowing it to be installed on your computer.
If you are unsure about allowing the control to run on your computer click the Information Bar and click What's the risk? for more information about ActiveX controls.
If you feel you need the blocked control, make certain that you trust the publisher before allowing it to access your computer.

How to turn off the Information Bar

It is not recommended that you turn the Information Bar off, if you do want to turn it off, you will have to turn it off for each type of message.

Turn off Information Bar messages about blocked pop-up windows

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Open Internet Explorer.
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Click Tools on the menu bar.
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Click Pop-up Blocker.
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Click Pop-up Blocker Settings.
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Click to uncheck the Show Information Bar when a pop-up is blocked. check box.
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Click the Close button.

You will no longer receive messages in the Information Bar when a pop-up is blocked.

Turn off the Information Bar for file downloads

This procedure will allow Web sites to automatically prompt you when downloading files, bypassing the Information Bar.

1.

Open Internet Explorer.
2.

Click Tools on the menu bar.
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Click Internet Options...
The Internet Options window appears.
4.

Click the Security tab.
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Click the Custom Level... button.
The Security Settings window appears.
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Scroll down to Downloads in the Settings: list.
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Click to select Enable under Automatic prompting for file downloads.
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Click the OK button.
A Warning! message appears.
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Click the Yes button to change the security settings for the zone.
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Click the OK button.

You will now receive prompts directly from a Web site if it needs to download a file to your computer.

Turn off the Information Bar for ActiveX controls

This procedure will allow Web sites to automatically prompt you when downloading software, bypassing the Information Bar.

1.

Open Internet Explorer.
2.

Click Tools on the menu bar.
3.

Click Internet Options...
The Internet Options window appears.
4.

Click the Security tab.
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Click the Custom Level... button.
The Security Settings window appears.
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Locate ActiveX controls and plug-ins in the Settings: list.
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Click to select Enable under Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls.
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Click the OK button.
A Warning! message appears.
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Click the Yes button to change the security settings for the zone.
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Click the OK button.

You will now receive prompts directly from a Web site if it needs to download software to your computer.