Definition: OCX

(OLE Control EXtension) A component software technology from Microsoft that enables a Windows program to add functionality by calling ready-made components. Generally called "OLE controls" or "OLE custom controls," they appear to the end user as just another part of the program.

OCXs are Microsoft's second-generation component architecture. Unlike first-generation 16-bit Visual Basic controls (VBXs), which were only written in Visual Basic, OCXs can be written in several languages and come in 16-bit and 32-bit versions. OCXs were renamed ActiveX controls and continue to use the .OCX file extension. See VBX and ActiveX control.

OCXs Are ActiveX Controls

OCXs (ActiveX controls) can be stored locally or remotely, but they are run locally.