.VBS File Extension
File TypeVBScript File
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity |
|
| Category | Executable Files |
| Format | Text |
What is a VBS file?
A VBS file is a Virtual Basic script written in the VBScript scripting language. It contains code that can be executed within Windows or Internet Explorer, via the Windows-based script host (Wscript.exe), to perform certain admin and processing functions.
Primarily, VBS files are used by:
- Windows system administrators, to automate certain admin processes
- Internet Explorer-only webpages, to perform certain functions that HTML alone cannot
- Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS) web server, to perform server-side webpage processing
Are VBS files still used?
For the most part, no. Most Windows system administrators now use Windows PowerShell to perform processes they previously performed using VBScript and VBS files. Also, in August 2019, Microsoft announced they would disable VBScript support by default in Internet Explorer, which is the only web browser that ever supported VBScript. Microsoft recommended that developers update any web pages that use VBScript to use JavaScript instead.
NOTE: VBS files may also use the .VB file extension.
How do I open a VBS file?
You can open and edit VBS files using any text editor, such as Notepad++ (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or Atom.
WarningWhile VBS files are typically legitimate, they may also be used to distribute and execute malware attacks on victims' computers. To protect against malicious attacks, never double-click a VBS file you have downloaded or received via email unless you can verify its legitimacy and source.