The End of an Era: Microsoft Is Finally Killing VBScript

In May 2024, Microsoft announced a plan to gradually phase out VBScript, the dynamic scripting language it originally developed in 1996, with support for its use having persisted even after active development was declared to have ceased in 2008. Microsoft intends to fully remove VBScript support from Windows 11 by 2027, a move that should pass largely unnoticed for most users but could pose compatibility challenges for enterprise environments that still rely on VBA macros incorporating VBScript.

The company notes that VBA remains capable of automating tasks across Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, but VBScript is often invoked indirectly through VBA applications that load external .vbs files or reference VBScript type libraries.

Because of VBScript’s extensive legacy footprint, Microsoft is implementing a five-to-six-year phased retirement rather than removing it in a single step, with the first stage already in effect: until 2027 VBScript will remain available as an optional feature, disabled by default but installable for enterprises. After that, VBScript will be permanently eliminated from optional features, rendering any enterprise automation solutions built on VBScript inoperable.