Microsoft plans to discontinue support for VBScript in future versions of Windows after its 30-year use. This will turn VBScript into a feature that needs to be requested before it is completely removed from Windows.
VBScript, also known as Visual Basic Script or Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition, is a programming language similar to Visual Basic or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). It was introduced almost 30 years ago, in August 1996.
VBScript is integrated with Internet Explorer, which is still supported by Windows 10. It allows for the active execution of Windows and interacts with a script host.
Microsoft has stated that VBScript is now considered obsolete. In future versions of Windows, VBScript will be available as a feature on demand to ensure uninterrupted use for those who still rely on it.
“Features on Demand” (FOD) are additional functions in Windows that are not installed by default but can be added as needed. Examples of FODs include .NET Framework (.NETFX3), Hyper-V, and Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Although Microsoft has not provided an official explanation for this decision, it is speculated that the discontinuation of VBScript support may be related to the end of support for Internet Explorer later this year. However, the removal of VBScript from Windows will also eliminate one of the most common infection vectors used by attackers to deliver malicious payloads to Windows systems.