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Support Statement for Visual Basic 6.0 on Windows

Note

The support policy below has been updated with Windows 10 version 20H2 support information.

Executive summary

The Visual Basic team is committed to "It Just Works" compatibility for Visual Basic 6.0 applications on the following supported Windows operating systems:

  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 7 SP1
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2008 R2

The Visual Basic team’s goal is that Visual Basic 6.0 applications continue to run on supported Windows versions. As detailed in this document, the core Visual Basic 6.0 runtime will be supported for the full lifetime of supported Windows versions (https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/faq/windows). The support bar will be limited to serious regressions and critical security issues for existing applications. For additional information and product documentation, see the Visual Basic 6.0 Resource Center.

Technical summary

Visual Basic 6.0 is made up of these key deliverables:

  • Visual Basic 6.0 IDE (Integrated Development Environment).
  • Visual Basic 6.0 Runtime: the base libraries and execution engine used to run VB 6.0 applications.
  • Visual Basic 6.0 Runtime Extended Files: selected ActiveX control OCX files, libraries, and tools shipping with the IDE media and as an online release.

The Visual Basic 6.0 IDE

The Visual Basic 6.0 IDE is no longer supported as of April 8, 2008. Additionally, both the Windows and Visual Basic teams have tested Visual Basic 6.0 IDE on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 to understand and mitigate (if appropriate) compatibility issues on 32-bit versions of Windows (see the 64-Bit Windows section below for further information about 64-bit systems). This announcement does not change the support policy for the IDE.

The Visual Basic 6.0 runtime

The Visual Basic 6.0 runtime is defined as the compiled binary files originally included in the redistribution list for Visual Basic 6.0. These files were marked as distributable in the original Visual Basic 6.0 license. Examples of these files include the Visual Basic 6.0 runtime library (msvbvm60.dll), controls (i.e., msflxgrd.ocx) along with runtime support files for other major functional areas (i.e. MDAC).

The runtime is divided into the three groups:

  • Supported runtime files -- Shipping in the OS

    Key Visual Basic 6.0 runtime files, used in the majority of application scenarios, are shipping in and supported for the lifetime of supported Windows versions. This lifetime is five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support from the time that a given version of Windows ships. These files have been tested for compatibility as part of our testing of Visual Basic 6.0 applications running on supported Windows versions.

    Note

    All supported Windows versions contain a nearly identical list of files, and the redist requirements for applications containing these files should be nearly identical. One key difference is that TriEdit.dll was removed from Windows Vista and later versions.

  • Supported runtime files –- Extended files to distribute with your application

    This extended list consists of key controls, libraries, and tools that are installed from the IDE media or from Microsoft.com to the developer machine. Typically, the VB6 IDE installed these controls to the developer machine by default. The developer still needs to redistribute these files with the application. The supported version of the files is available online on the Microsoft Download Center (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=142927).

  • Unsupported runtime files

    Some files either have fallen out of mainstream support or were never included as a part of the runtime redist (e.g., they were included in the \Tools folder on the IDE media to support legacy VB4/VB5 applications, or they were third-party controls). These files are not supported on Windows; instead they are subject to whatever support agreement applies to the media they were shipped with. This implies no warranties around support and servicing. In some instances, later versions of these libraries are supported. Details on backward compatibility or migration to supported versions are provided below.

For specific details on the files included in each support group see the Runtime Definition section below.

The Visual Basic 6.0 support lifetime

Supporting and/or shipping Visual Basic 6.0 runtime binaries on supported Windows versions does not change the support policy for the Visual Basic 6.0 IDE or Visual Studio 6.0 IDE as a whole. Those products moved out of extended support on April 8, 2008.

Details on the support lifecycle of Microsoft products can be found at https://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy. As a part of this support lifecycle, Microsoft will continue to support the Visual Basic 6.0 runtime on supported Windows versions for the support lifetime of those operating systems. This means, for example, that the Visual Basic 6.0 runtime will be supported on Windows Server 2003 until June, 2008 for Mainstream Support and June, 2013 for Extended Support. For more details on the support lifecycle or to find out about additional support options, please visit our support page at https://www.microsoft.com/support.

Supported Windows operating system versions

This section provides additional information regarding the operating systems that offer some level of support for VB6.

Windows operating system VB6 Supported Runtime
Files Shipping in Windows have support?
VB6 Supported Rutime
Extended Files
to distribute with your application have support?
VB6 IDE has support?
Windows 11, all 32-bit editions Yes * Yes * No
Windows 11, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes *
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows 10, all 32-bit editions Yes * Yes * No
Windows 10, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes *
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows 8.1 SP1, all 32-bit editions Yes * Yes * No
Windows 8.1 SP1, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes *
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows 7 SP1, all 32-bit editions Yes * Yes * No
Windows 7 SP1, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes *
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows Server 2022, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes *
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows Server 2019, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes *
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows Server 2016, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows Server 2012 R2, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No
Windows Server 2008 R2, all 64-bit editions (WOW only) Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
Yes*
32-bit apps running in WOW only
No

Note

VB6 runtime support is limited by the Windows support lifecycle. For example, if the target OS is in Extended support, VB6 cannot have a higher level of support than Extended support. The Windows support lifecycle fact sheet contains additional lifecycle information about previous and current Windows versions.

64-Bit Windows

Visual Basic 6.0 runtime files are 32-bit. These files ship in 64-bit Windows Operating Systems referenced in the table below. 32-bit VB6 applications and components are supported in the WOW emulation environment only. 32-bit components must also be hosted in 32-bit application processes.

The Visual Basic 6.0 IDE has never been offered in a native 64-bit version, nor has the 32-bit IDE been supported on 64-bit Windows. VB6 development on 64-bit Windows or any native architecture other than 32-bit is not and will not be supported.

Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10 & 11

Since the initial release of this support statement, the Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems have been released. This document has been updated to clarify Microsoft’s support for VB6 on Windows.

The VB6 runtime will ship and will be supported in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for the lifetime of the OS. Visual Basic 6.0 runtime files continue to be 32-bit only, and all components must be hosted in 32-bit application processes. Developers can think of the support story for Windows 10 as being the same as it was in prior versions.

Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, and 2022

Since the initial release of this support statement, the Windows Server 2008 R2, 2016, Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 operating systems have been released. This document has been updated to clarify Microsoft’s support for VB6 on Windows Server.

The VB6 runtime will ship and will be supported in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for the lifetime of the OS. Visual Basic 6.0 runtime files continue to be 32-bit only, and all components must be hosted in 32-bit application processes. Developers can think of the support story for Windows 10 as being the same as it was in prior versions.

Visual Basic 6.0 runtime usage inside VBA and Office

Visual Basic for Applications, or VBA, is a distinct technology commonly used for application automation and macros inside of other applications, most commonly inside Microsoft Office applications. VBA ships as a part of Office and therefore the support for VBA is governed by the support policy of Office. However, there are situations where VBA is used to call or host Visual Basic 6.0 runtime binaries and controls. In these situations, Visual Basic 6.0 supported runtime files in the OS and the extended file list are also supported when used inside of a supported VBA environment.

For VB6 runtime scenarios to be supported inside VBA, all of the following must be true:

  • The host OS version for VB runtime is still supported.
  • The host version of Office for VBA is still supported.
  • The runtime files in question are still supported.

Visual Basic Script (VBScript)

VBScript is unrelated to Visual Basic 6.0 and this support statement. However, VBScript is currently shipping as part of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008 including R2, Windows Server 2012 including R2, and Windows Server 2016 and is governed by the OS support lifecycle.

Third-party components

Microsoft is unable to provide support for third party components, such as OCX/ActiveX controls. Customers are encouraged to contact the original control vendor for details on support for those components.

Reporting issues with VB 6.0 applications running on Windows

Developers planning to use Visual Basic 6.0 with one of the listed Windows operating systems should install that operating system and begin application compatibility testing using original application acceptance testing.

If you find an issue with your Visual Basic 6.0 application running on one of the listed Windows operating systems, please follow your normal support channels to report the issue.

Runtime definition

Runtime files supported and shipping in Windows

atl.dll msadcor.dll msvbvm60.dll ole2.dll
asycfilt.dll msadds.dll msvcirt.dll ole32.dll
comcat.dll msaddsr.dll msvcrt.dll oleaut32.dll
compobj.dll msader15.dll msvcrt40.dll oleaut32.dll
dbnmpntw.dll msado15.dll mtxdm.dll oledb32.dll
dcomcnfg.exe msador15.dll mtxoci.dll oledb32r.dll
dllhost.exe msadrh15.dll odbc16gt.dll oledlg.dll
ds16gt.dll mscpxl32.dll odbc32.dll olepro32.dll
ds32gt.dll msdadc.dll odbc32gt.dll olethk32.dll
expsrv.dll msdaenum.dll odbcad32.exe regsvr32.exe
hh.exe msdaer.dll odbccp32.dll rpcns4.dll
hhctrl.ocx msdaora.dll odbccr32.dll rpcrt4.dll
imagehlp.dll msdaosp.dll odbccu32.dll scrrun.dll
iprop.dll msdaprst.dll odbcint.dll secur32.dll
itircl.dll msdaps.dll odbcji32.dll simpdata.tlb
itss.dll msdasc.dll odbcjt32.dll sqloledb.dll
mfc40.dll msdasql.dll odbctrac.dll sqlsrv32.dll
mfc42.dll msdasqlr.dll oddbse32.dll stdole2.tlb
mfc42u.dll msdatsrc.tlb odexl32.dll stdole32.tlb
msadce.dll msdatt.dll odfox32.dll storage.dll
msadcer.dll msjtes40.dll odpdx32.dll vbajet32.dll
msadco.dll msorcl32.dll odtext32.dll

Note

The files ds16gt.dll, ds32gt.dll, odbc16gt.dll, and odbc32gt.dll are only supported on a 32-bit OS.

Supported runtime files to distribute with your application

comct232.ocx msbind.dll msdbrptr.dll msstdfmt.dll
comct332.ocx mscdrun.dll msflxgrd.ocx msstkprp.dll
comctl32.ocx mschrt20.ocx mshflxgd.ocx mswcrun.dll
comdlg32.ocx mscomct2.ocx mshtmpgr.dll mswinsck.ocx
dbadapt.dll mscomctl.ocx msinet.ocx picclp32.ocx
dbgrid32.ocx mscomm32.ocx msmapi32.ocx richtx32.ocx
dblist32.ocx msdatgrd.ocx msmask32.ocx sysinfo.ocx
mci32.ocx msdatlst.ocx msrdc20.ocx tabctl32.ocx
msadodc.ocx msdatrep.ocx msrdo20.dll

Unsupported, but supported and compatible updates or upgrades are available

dao350.dll msexch35.dll msjter35.dll msrepl35.dll
mdac_typ.exe msexcl35.dll msjtor35.dll mstext35.dll
mschart.ocx msjet35.dll msltus35.dll msxbse35.dll
msdaerr.dll msjint35.dll mspdox35.dll odbctl32.dll
msdatl2.dll msjt4jlt.dll msrd2x35.dll oledb32x.dll

Unsupported runtime files

anibtn32.ocx spin32.ocx rpcltscm.dll rdocurs.dll
graph32.ocx gauge32.ocx rpcmqcl.dll vbar332.dll
keysta32.ocx gswdll32.dll rpcmqsvr.dll visdata.exe
autmgr32.exe ciscnfg.exe rpcss.exe vsdbflex.srg
autprx32.dll olecnv32.dll dbmsshrn.dll threed32.ocx
racmgr32.exe rpcltc1.dll dbmssocn.dll MSWLess.ocx
racreg32.dll rpcltc5.dll windbver.exe tlbinf32.dll
grid32.ocx rpcltccm.dll msderun.dll triedit.dll
msoutl32.ocx rpclts5.dll odkob32.dll

Localization support binaries

The following binaries are necessary for supporting Visual Basic 6.0 applications running on localized versions of the Windows operating system. They are supported but are not shipped in Windows. These files are required to be shipped with your application setup.

Supported runtime files to distribute with your application

JPN KOR CHT CHS
mfc42jpn.dll mfc42kor.dll mfc42cht.dll mfc42chs.dll
scrrnjp.dll scrrnko.dll scrrncht.dll scrrnchs.dll
vb6jp.dll vb6ko.dll vb6cht.dll vb6chs.dll
cmct2jp.dll cmct2ko.dll cmct2cht.dll cmct2chs.dll
cmct3jp.dll cmct3ko.dll cmct3cht.dll mscc2chs.dll
mscc2jp.dll mscc2ko.dll mscc2cht.dll cmct3chs.dll
cmctljp.dll cmctlko.dll cmctlcht.dll cmctlchs.dll
cmdlgjp.dll cmdlgko.dll mscmccht.dll mscmcchs.dll
mscmcjp.dll mscmcko.dll cmdlgcht.dll cmdlgchs.dll
dbgrdjp.dll dbgrdko.dll dbgrdcht.dll dbgrdchs.dll
dblstjp.dll dblstko.dll dblstcht.dll dblstchs.dll
mcijp.dll mciko.dll mcicht.dll mcichs.dll
msadnjp.dll msadnko.dll msadncht.dll msadnchs.dll
adodcjp.dll adodcko.dll adodccht.dll adodcchs.dll
mschtjp.dll mschtko.dll mschtcht.dll mschtchs.dll
msch2jp.dll msch2ko.dll msch2cht.dll msch2chs.dll
mscomjp.dll mscomko.dll mscomcht.dll mscomchs.dll
datgdjp.dll datgdko.dll datgdcht.dll datgdchs.dll
datlsjp.dll datlsko.dll datlscht.dll datlschs.dll
datrpjp.dll datrpko.dll datrpcht.dll datrpchs.dll
dbrprjp.dll dbrprko.dll dbrprcht.dll dbrprchs.dll
flxgdjp.dll flxgdko.dll flxgdcht.dll flxgdchs.dll
mshfgjpn.dll mshfgkor.dll mshfgcht.dll mshfgchs.dll
htmprjp.dll htmprko.dll htmprcht.dll htmprchs.dll
inetjp.dll inetko.dll inetcht.dll inetchs.dll
msmpijp.dll msmpiko.dll msmpicht.dll msmpichs.dll
msmskjp.dll msmskko.dll msmskcht.dll msmskchs.dll
rdc20jp.dll rdc20ko.dll rdc20cht.dll rdc20chs.dll
rdo20jp.dll rdo20ko.dll rdo20cht.dll rdo20chs.dll
stdftjp.dll stdftko.dll stdftcht.dll stdftchs.dll
mswcrjp.dll mswcrko.dll mswcrcht.dll mswcrchs.dll
winskjp.dll winskko.dll winskcht.dll winskchs.dll
pcclpjp.dll pcclpko.dll pcclpcht.dll pcclpchs.dll
rchtxjp.dll rchtxko.dll rchtxcht.dll rchtxchs.dll
sysinjp.dll sysinko.dll sysincht.dll sysinchs.dll
tabctjp.dll tabctko.dll tabctcht.dll tabctchs.dll
ITA FRA ESP DEU
mfc42ita.dll mfc42fra.dll mfc42esp.dll mfc42deu.dll
scrrnit.dll scrrnfr.dll scrrnes.dll scrrnde.dll
vb6it.dll vb6fr.dll vb6es.dll vb6de.dll
cmct2it.dll cmct2fr.dll cmct2es.dll cmct2de.dll
mscc2it.dll mscc2fr.dll mscc2es.dll mscc2de.dll
cmct3it.dll cmct3fr.dll cmct3es.dll cmct3de.dll
cmctlit.dll cmctlfr.dll cmctles.dll cmctlde.dll
mscmcit.dll mscmcfr.dll mscmces.dll mscmcde.dll
cmdlgit.dll cmdlgfr.dll cmdlges.dll cmdlgde.dll
dbgrdit.dll dbgrdfr.dll dbgrdes.dll dbgrdde.dll
dblstit.dll dblstfr.dll dblstes.dll dblstde.dll
mciit.dll mcifr.dll mcies.dll mcide.dll
msadnit.dll msadnfr.dll msadnes.dll msadnde.dll
adodcit.dll adodcfr.dll adodces.dll adodcde.dll
mschtit.dll mschtfr.dll mschtes.dll mschtde.dll
msch2it.dll msch2fr.dll msch2es.dll msch2de.dll
mscomit.dll mscomfr.dll mscomes.dll mscomde.dll
atgdit.dll datgdfr.dll datgdes.dll datgdde.dll
datlsit.dll datlsfr.dll datlses.dll datlsde.dll
datrpit.dll datrpfr.dll datrpes.dll datrpde.dll
dbrprit.dll dbrprfr.dll dbrpres.dll dbrprde.dll
flxgdit.dll flxgdfr.dll flxgdes.dll flxgdde.dll
mshfgit.dll mshfgfr.dll mshfges.dll mshfgde.dll
htmprit.dll htmprfr.dll htmpres.dll htmprde.dll
inetit.dll inetfr.dll inetes.dll inetde.dll
msmpiit.dll msmpifr.dll msmpies.dll msmpide.dll
msmskit.dll msmskfr.dll msmskes.dll msmskde.dll
rdc20it.dll rdc20fr.dll rdc20es.dll rdc20de.dll
rdo20it.dll rdo20fr.dll rdo20es.dll rdo20de.dll
stdftit.dll stdftfr.dll stdftes.dll stdftde.dll
mswcrit.dll mswcrfr.dll mswcres.dll mswcrde.dll
winskit.dll winskfr.dll winskes.dll winskde.dll
pcclpit.dll pcclpfr.dll pcclpes.dll pcclpde.dll
rchtxit.dll rchtxfr.dll rchtxes.dll rchtxde.dll
sysinit.dll sysinfr.dll sysines.dll sysinde.dll
tabctit.dll tabctfr.dll tabctes.dll tabctde.dll

See Also