Microsoft introduced at present that it’ll begin deprecating VBScript within the second half of 2024 by making it an on-demand characteristic till it is fully eliminated.
Options on Demand (FODs) are non-compulsory Home windows options (e.g., .NET Framework (.NetFx3), Hyper-V, Home windows Subsystem for Linux) that are not put in by default however will be added if wanted.
“Technology has advanced over the years, giving rise to more powerful and versatile scripting languages such as JavaScript and PowerShell. These languages offer broader capabilities and are better suited for modern web development and automation tasks,” stated Microsoft program supervisor Naveen Shankar.
“Beginning with the new OS release slated for later this year, VBScript will be available as features on demand (FODs). The feature will be completely retired from future Windows OS releases, as we transition to the more efficient PowerShell experiences,” stated Microsoft program supervisor Naveen Shankar.
Microsoft’s deprecation plan consists of three phases. The primary section will start within the second half of 2024, with VBScript enabled by default as an non-compulsory characteristic in Home windows 11 24H2.
Throughout the second section, which can begin round 2027, VBScript will nonetheless be out there as an on-demand characteristic however will not be pre-installed.
VBScript might be retired and eradicated from future variations of Home windows as a part of section three of the deprecation course of. In consequence, all VBScript dynamic hyperlink libraries (.dll recordsdata) might be eliminated, and tasks that use VBScript will cease functioning.
​The corporate first revealed in October that it will kill off VBScript (often known as Visible Primary Script or Microsoft Visible Primary Scripting Version) in Home windows after 30 years of availability as a system part.
This programming language comes bundled with Web Explorer (disabled on some Home windows 10 variations in February 2023) and helps automate duties and management functions utilizing Home windows Script.
Microsoft disabled VBScript by default in Web Explorer 11 on Home windows 10 with the July 2019 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates.
This transfer is a part of a broader technique to take away Home windows and Workplace options risk actors use as assault vectors to contaminate customers with malware.
Attackers have additionally used VBScript in malware campaigns, delivering strains like Lokibot, Emotet, Qbot, and, extra just lately, DarkGate malware.
This effort traces again to 2018 when Redmond prolonged assist for its Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) to Workplace 365 shopper functions, thus curbing assaults that utilized Workplace VBA macros.
Since then, Microsoft has additionally disabled Excel 4.0 (XLM) macros, mandated default blocking of VBA Workplace macros, launched XLM macro safety, and started blocking untrusted XLL add-ins by default throughout Microsoft 365 tenants worldwide.
