Block Flash activation in Office documents
This machine-wide `REG_DWORD` value applies to the COM object that Microsoft identifies as “Macromedia Flash Factory Object,” with CLSID `{D27CDB70-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000}`.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKLM\software\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Office\Common\COM Compatibility\{D27CDB70-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000}\ActivationFilterOverride
This machine-wide REG_DWORD value applies to the COM object that Microsoft identifies as “Macromedia Flash Factory Object,” with CLSID {D27CDB70-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000}.
A value of 0 does not enable the exception documented for ActivationFilterOverride. When the COM kill bit for this object is in effect, the complete activation block therefore remains active inside Office. Office blocks the object not only when it is embedded in or linked from a document, but also when another mechanism, such as an add-in, attempts to load it into an Office process.
ActivationFilterOverride does not establish the COM kill bit by itself. Its effect depends on Office already blocking the COM object through its built-in block list or an applicable kill-bit configuration. Microsoft lists this CLSID among the controls that are blocked from activation by default.
Notes
Security
The complete activation block prevents Office from loading this legacy Flash COM object into its processes. Consequently, Office documents, add-ins, and other components operating inside an Office process cannot use this object to run Flash content.
The restriction is limited to Office processes. It does not block other Flash classes or prevent applications outside Office from activating this COM object.
Possible side effects
Legacy documents, add-ins, or automation solutions that depend on this specific Flash COM object cannot load the associated content or functionality in Office. Depending on the application, the content might be omitted or an activation or loading error might be displayed.
Notes
The WOW6432Node path applies to 32-bit Office running on 64-bit Windows. Microsoft documents the unversioned Office path shown here for Office 2010 and Office 2013. For Office 2016, Microsoft documents a corresponding path that includes the additional 16.0 segment.
The Office COM blocking behavior is documented for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Visio.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Support: Security Settings for COM objects in Office
Microsoft Learn: Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise security baseline settings reference