Do not allow Flash activation in Office (CLSID 6E, 16.0)
This `DWORD` value controls an exception to the Office COM activation filter for the ActiveX control identified by Microsoft as **Shockwave Flash Object**, CLSID `{D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000}`.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKLM\software\microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\COM Compatibility\{D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000}\ActivationFilterOverride
This DWORD value controls an exception to the Office COM activation filter for the ActiveX control identified by Microsoft as Shockwave Flash Object, CLSID {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000}.
A value of 0 does not enable the documented exception. Because Office lists this CLSID among the controls blocked from activation by default, the comprehensive block on activating the COM object inside Office remains in effect. The object cannot be activated as linked or embedded content in an Office document or through another activation path within an Office process.
The documented alternative value 1 would narrow the block to linking and embedding scenarios. Other activation paths inside the Office process, such as activation by an add-in, would then no longer be covered by this activation filter.
Notes
Security
This setting preserves the broader protection provided by the Office COM kill bit for this Flash control. Office documents, add-ins, and other components operating inside an Office process cannot activate the affected COM object. This reduces exposure to content or components that might attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the control.
The value does not independently establish the block. Its effect depends on the CLSID being blocked by the Office kill-bit list or by a corresponding Compatibility Flags entry. Microsoft includes this Flash CLSID in its list of controls blocked from activation by default.
Possible side effects
Flash content that depends on this ActiveX control does not work in affected Office applications. Add-ins or other Office-hosted functionality that attempts to load this specific COM object can also fail. Depending on the content, the object may appear blank, remain unresponsive, or produce an activation error.
Notes
The 16.0 registry branch applies to Office 2016 and Office releases based on that version. The specified path is used by 64-bit Office on 64-bit Windows and by 32-bit Office on 32-bit Windows. A 32-bit Office installation on 64-bit Windows uses the corresponding path below HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node.
This setting affects only Shockwave Flash Object, CLSID {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000}. The separate Macromedia Flash Factory Object has CLSID {D27CDB70-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} and is not controlled by this registry value.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Support: Security Settings for COM objects in Office