Microsoft announced that it is ending support for the VBScript scripting language. The company will begin phasing it out in the second half of 2024.
The transition away from VBScript involves three steps:
- Microsoft's scripting language will be available in Windows 11 as an optional feature in the second half of 2024. By default it will already be disabled.
- The second phase will begin in 2027, VBScript can still be included as an additional feature, but it will not be pre-installed.
- In the third stage, the scripting language will be removed completely. All .dll files will also be deleted and applications using VBScript will stop working.
Earlier in 2023, VBScript has become an optional component.
Frequently utilized by system administrators and skilled users, VBScript facilitates the automation and streamlining of numerous daily tasks. Operating on the Windows Scripting Host platform, VBScript enables the execution of complex processes, creation of shortcuts, file management, registry modifications, and various other operations.
Nevertheless, VBScript on Windows has not undergone significant enhancements in many years. It is gradually being replaced by PowerShell, which, in conjunction with the .NET platform, offers a more flexible approach to accomplishing tasks, including all the capabilities of VBScript and much more. In addition to a plethora of pre-built cmdlets, PowerShell allows for the utilization of .NET assemblies and the declaration of Windows API functions.
Microsoft advises utilizing PowerShell or JavaScript automation tools in place of VBScript as they are considered more up-to-date and provide enhanced capabilities.
There has been an increase in attackers employing VBScript for malicious activities worldwide. Notably, Microsoft's scripting language has been utilized in viruses such as Lokibot, Emotet, Qbot, and DarkGate. Removing VBScript from usage is expected to enhance the security of Windows systems.
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VM Script was good for launching invisible windows (and I do mean invisible, not just minimised), such as an invisible PowerShell window.
It will be hard to come up with an alternative.
I am sure it will be missed a lot