How to Install VBScript in Windows 11
VBScript is an older Microsoft coding language that lets you run automation scripts and legacy programs on Windows 11. When a .vbs script fails to open with an error, the built-in Windows Script Host tool is usually disabled on your computer.
Enabling this feature takes only a few moments through your system settings or the registry, allowing your old scripts to run properly again.
You can install VBScript in Windows 11 by going to Settings Apps Optional features, clicking “View features,” searching for VBScript, checking the box, and clicking Install. Alternatively, use the DISM command in Windows Terminal: DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:VBSCRIPT~~~~.
Why use VBScript?
Microsoft is phasing out VBScript, an older scripting language, to boost system security. VBScript is typically needed only when working with legacy software or old business scripts that cannot run otherwise.
Security and Deprecation Roadmap
Microsoft stopped updating VBScript, meaning it receives no further improvements and poses a security risk, which explains why it is missing by default in Windows 11.
Install or Uninstall via Settings
Install VBScript Windows 11 directly through the system settings menu if you need to run legacy scripts. Open Settings by pressing Win+I, go to Apps, choose Optional features, and search for VBScript to add it back to your system. You can also follow these exact same steps in reverse if you ever need to remove the feature later.
- Open the Windows Settings app by pressing Win+I.
- Click on Apps on the left side.
- Select the Optional features tile.
- Click the View features button.
- Search for VBScript, check the box, and click Next.
- Click Install to finish.
To uninstall later, return to this menu, find VBScript, and select Uninstall.
Install or Uninstall via Command Line
Run Windows Terminal as an administrator to handle this via the command line.
Paste this command to install the feature:
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:VBSCRIPT~~~~
To remove it, use this command:
DISM /Online /Remove-Capability /CapabilityName:VBSCRIPT~~~~
Enterprise Management (GPO & Intune)
System administrators can deploy VBScript across multiple network computers at once using Group Policy (GPO) or Microsoft Intune. This keeps legacy applications working in a company setting while maintaining control over what gets installed.
Troubleshooting 24H2 Errors
Fix VBScript Windows 11 24H2 installation errors by checking your system status through PowerShell with specific command-line tools. Run a quick check command to see if the feature is missing, and use DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management, a tool for repairing Windows system files) to force the installation if standard settings fail.
Get-WindowsCapability -Online -Name VBSCRIPT~~~~
If the status shows 'NotPresent', use the DISM command mentioned earlier to install it. If errors persist, confirm that your user account has local administrator rights.
Summary
VBScript is an older tool not included in Windows 11 by default, but Optional Features or the command line allows for manual installation when old programs require it.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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