Deprecating ActiveX/OCX support in LL32

Dear community,

As of version 32 of List & Label, we will no longer offer support for ActiveX technology. This move comes as no surprise – we’ve been announcing it since List & Label 28.

The background is clear: ActiveX is an outdated (“legacy”) technology that Microsoft itself has not recommended for new developments for years and is actively dismantled in central products.

Microsoft explicitly describes ActiveX as a legacy technology in its own developer documentation:

“ActiveX is a legacy technology that should not be used for new development.”
Source: Microsoft Learn - ActiveX Controls (Visual C++)
ActiveX Controls | Microsoft Learn

Instead, Microsoft refers to modern alternatives (web technologies, APIs, add-ins, etc.) that are more secure and future-proof.

ActiveX is also consistently deactivated in Microsoft’s own products:

Microsoft 365 & Office 2024:
ActiveX controls are disabled by default and are no longer actively supported

In addition, ActiveX is also discontinued from a modern development and platform perspective, as it:

  • is no longer browser-capable,
  • Causes significant security problems,
  • not with modern . NET, web and cross-platform architectures.

What does this mean for you in concrete terms?

:right_arrow: ActiveX-based solutions can no longer be used with List & Label version 32 or later.
:right_arrow: For existing projects, we strongly recommend migrating to modern, supported interfaces.
:right_arrow: We are happy to support you with recommendations and best practices for contemporary alternatives.

Thank you for your understanding – and as always, we look forward to your feedback and questions in the forum.