What you need to know
Microsoft’s VBScript deprecation plan makes VBScript a feature on demand that is preinstalled and on by default in Windows 11 version 24H2, turns it off by default around 2027, and later removes it from Windows. Windows Server 2025 also preinstalls VBScript as a feature on demand before its removal in a later release.
Potentially affected
Organizations with logon scripts, scheduled tasks, installers, legacy web pages or Office macros that use VBScript, and the IT staff who maintain them.
DSE recommendation
DSE recommends inventorying VBScript use now, before the 2027 default change, and moving it to PowerShell.
Microsoft’s VBScript deprecation plan makes VBScript a feature on demand that is preinstalled and on by default in Windows 11 version 24H2, turns it off by default around 2027, and later removes it from Windows. Windows Server 2025 also preinstalls VBScript as a feature on demand before its removal in a later release.
Source facts
Microsoft’s Windows IT Pro post VBScript deprecation: Timelines and next steps describes three phases: VBScript features on demand preinstalled and on by default in Windows 11, version 24H2; around 2027, the features no longer enabled by default; and finally removal from future Windows versions, when the VBScript DLLs are removed and projects that rely on it stop functioning. Microsoft’s deprecated features list says VBScript will be a feature on demand before its removal, and the Windows Server list says it is preinstalled as a feature on demand in Windows Server 2025.
The post says VBA solutions that call .vbs files or reference VBScript, such as its regular expression library, keep working in phase 1 but will be affected by later phases, and that VBScript custom actions in installer packages may stop working after deprecation. It recommends migrating automation and installer actions to PowerShell and web pages to JavaScript, and explains how to turn the feature back on under Settings, System, Optional features if VBScript is still needed after phase 2.
Applicability
Use this for Windows 11, Windows Server 2025 and later releases. The same scripts will need attention on older machines when they are replaced, so include them in the inventory.
DSE recommendation
DSE recommends inventorying VBScript use now, before the 2027 default change, and moving it to PowerShell. Search logon scripts, scheduled tasks, Group Policy, installer packages and Office macros for .vbs files and VBScript references, test critical tasks on a machine with the feature turned off, and track remaining exceptions with an owner and a date.
Verification
Search script shares and endpoint telemetry for wscript.exe and cscript.exe launches, and confirm each remaining VBScript use has a migration date.
Official references
Microsoft Windows IT Pro Blog — VBScript deprecation: Timelines and next steps. Microsoft Learn — Deprecated features in the Windows client. Microsoft Learn — Features removed or no longer developed starting with Windows Server. Reviewed October 19, 2026.
Review the official source
Microsoft Windows IT Pro Blog — VBScript deprecation: Timelines and next steps · Verified October 19, 2026
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