Microsoft to Deprecate VBScript in Windows, Urges Developers to Update Projects

Microsoft has announced a phased deprecation of VBScript in Windows, with guidance for VBA developers who rely on VBScript libraries. The plan outlines three phases over coming years: Phase 1 remains active through 2026 or 2027 as an enabled Feature on Demand to keep existing VBA projects functioning. Phase 2, around 2026 or 2027, will disable VBScript FODs by default, and Phase 3’s timing is yet to be determined, with VBScript removed from future Windows releases.

During the final phase, calling .vbs scripts from VBA will no longer work, and references to VBScript RegExp libraries may break unless Office clients are updated to supported builds. According to Microsoft, the deprecation is being addressed by including RegExp classes directly in VBA for Office Version 2508 (Build 19127.20154) and later, providing four object types: RegExp, Match, MatchCollection, and SubMatches, while still allowing late binding with CreateObject in older Office versions.

The article advises migrating to native RegExp functionality and testing projects in VBScript-disabled environments to identify hidden dependencies before the phases take effect.