Sep 02, 2025

VBScript is Deprecated in ArcGIS

By Kory Kramer

Summary

In October 2023 Microsoft announced the deprecation of VBScript. The deprecation will be carried out in three phases until the functionality is completely retired and no longer included in Windows releases. Because ArcGIS applications rely on the feature being available in the operating system, VBScript is deprecated throughout ArcGIS effective September 2025 to prepare users for its eventual removal. If you use VBScript expressions in any of your work across ArcGIS, now is the time to convert those to supported expression languages like Arcade, Python or SQL.

Terminology

I find that sometimes there is confusion around what deprecation means when it comes to software features. Deprecation notices are an announcement of the intent to remove the feature in a future version. So, in the case of VBScript, Microsoft has announced their intent to remove it from future versions of Windows operating systems. While there is no further development invested in deprecated features, they continue to be supported until they are removed or retired.

This tip from VBScript deprecation: Timelines and next steps provides a concise explanation.

Explanation from Microsoft defining the meaning of deprecation — Credit: Naveen Shankar, Windows IT Pro Blog, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/vbscript-deprecation-timelines-and-next-steps/4148301

If you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Windows client features lifecycle, there is a section in the Windows documentation dedicated to terminology.

What to expect

At the time of this blog’s publishing, we are in Microsoft’s VBScript Deprecation Phase 1. During this phase, VBScript is available in Windows 11 as Features on Demand (FODs) and is enabled by default until 2027. VBScript is also available as an FOD and preinstalled in Windows Server 2025.

Microsoft has announced that “around 2027” VBScript FODs will be disabled by default; however, users will still be able to enable it (Microsoft’s VBScript Deprecation Phase 2).

Microsoft describes Phase 3 of the VBScript deprecation as follows: “VBScript will be retired and eliminated from future versions of Windows. This means all the dynamic link libraries (.dll files) of VBScript will be removed. As a result, projects that rely on VBScript will stop functioning. By then, we expect that you’ll have switched to suggested alternatives.” Microsoft has not yet announced when the VBScript feature will be completely removed from Windows.

Visual timeline of important dates for VBScript deprecation phases from Microsoft — Credit: Naveen Shankar, Windows IT Pro Blog, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/vbscript-deprecation-timelines-and-next-steps/4148301

Recommendation

VBScript expressions in ArcGIS will continue to work until VBScript is fully removed and no longer included in versions of Windows operating systems. Users should convert label, symbology, and calculation expressions to supported expression languages such as Arcade, Python and SQL.

Resources

Deprecated features for Windows client (search for VBScript)
Features removed or no longer developed in Windows Server (search for VBScript)
VBScript deprecation: Timelines and next steps
Specify text for labels
Calculate Field Usage section
VBScript Support in ArcGIS Deprecation Notice

Kory Kramer

Kory Kramer is a Product Manager for ArcGIS Pro, collaborating across multiple teams to contribute to the direction of product development. He is dedicated to listening to users and finding ways to convert that feedback into a product that continues to add customer value. In his free time, he tries to get outside as much as possible – often on trails, sometimes on a bike. He has recently started composting and is trying to get bats to take up residence in his backyard bat house.

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