Microsoft Edge includes an "Internet Explorer Mode" specifically designed to let enterprises run legacy ActiveX components safely. Open .
Modern browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox completely lack the architecture needed to run .exe browser plugins or ActiveX controls.
If you see the message , you are likely trying to access an older security camera, Digital Video Recorder (DVR), Network Video Recorder (NVR), or legacy web portal.
With the retirement of the standalone Internet Explorer application, [4†L9-L10][5†L17-L18]. Microsoft has committed to supporting IE Mode at least through 2029, providing a long-term bridge for legacy systems [4†L32-L34][13†L36-L38]. The core IE11 engine is still a part of Windows, and IE Mode leverages it to render specific websites within an Edge tab [11†L21-L25]. This method is also effective for displaying local file paths (like file:// ), which is common for some intranet portals or local applications [12†L15-L16]. Here's how to set it up on a single PC:
Click the in the top-right corner and select Settings . Click on Default browser in the left sidebar.
: Before running the installer, close all open instances of Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer to avoid installation conflicts.
Do you have the that came with the device?
Operating systems block these automatic downloads because malicious actors frequently used ActiveX to exploit computer systems. The Risks of Installing ie-plugins.exe
ActiveX is a software framework created by Microsoft that was exclusive to Internet Explorer (IE). Because IE has been retired in favor of Microsoft Edge, most browsers (including Chrome and Firefox) block these plugins for security reasons. When the browser cannot load the IE-Plugins.exe file, it assumes the software is missing and prompts you to install it. Step-by-Step Fixes 1. Use Microsoft Edge in "IE Mode"
If you still have the software disc that shipped with the DVR/NVR, explore the files to find ie-plugins.exe or ActiveX_Setup.exe . Run it manually as an Administrator.