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VBA & Macro Problems

How to Fix Missing ActiveX Control Toolbox in Excel VBA UserForm

WPS EditorWPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to locate and add missing ActiveX controls to the Toolbox when building an Excel VBA UserForm.

How to Fix Missing ActiveX Control Toolbox in Excel VBA UserForm
Product
Excel
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Creating or modifying a VBA UserForm where specific UI elements like calendars or progress bars are needed.
Observed behavior
The ActiveX Control Toolbox does not display the necessary controls required for the UserForm.
Before you start

Ensure you have the Developer tab enabled in your Excel ribbon and that your current workbook is saved as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Additional Controls via the Toolbox Shortcut Menu

Manually add the missing ActiveX controls directly into the VBA Toolbox using the shortcut menu.

By default, the VBA Toolbox only shows standard controls. Additional ActiveX controls installed on your system can be enabled easily through the Additional Controls dialog.

1
Open the VBA Editor

Press Alt + F11 on your keyboard to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

2
Access the UserForm Toolbox

In the Project Explorer, insert a new UserForm or double-click an existing one to display the Toolbox. If the Toolbox does not appear, click View > Toolbox from the top menu.

3
Open Additional Controls

Right-click anywhere inside the blank space of the Toolbox and select 'Additional Controls' from the shortcut menu.

4
Select Required Controls

Scroll through the list of available controls, check the boxes next to the ActiveX controls you want to add, and click 'OK'.

Enable Additional Controls via the Toolbox Shortcut Menu
Controls Restored: The selected ActiveX controls will now appear as icons at the bottom of your Toolbox for immediate use in the UserForm.
VBA & Macro Support

Use WPS Spreadsheet for Seamless Macro and VBA Support

WPS Office provides robust support for VBA macros and UserForms. You can easily create, edit, and run VBA scripts just as you would in Microsoft Excel, enjoying a familiar interface and comprehensive developer tools.

  1. 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer.
  2. 2. Open your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).
  3. 3. Access the Developer Tools: Go to the Developer tab on the ribbon to access the VBA Editor, Macros, and security settings.
  4. 4. Manage UserForms: Open the VBA Editor, insert a UserForm, and utilize the built-in toolbox for ActiveX controls seamlessly.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm) formats.Supports advanced VBA macros and UserForm creation.Lightweight installation with fast loading performance.Familiar interface makes migrating your workflows effortless.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my VBA Toolbox completely hidden?

The Toolbox only appears when a UserForm is active. To show it, click on a UserForm in the Project Explorer, then go to View > Toolbox in the top menu, or click the Toolbox icon on the standard toolbar.

Why is the 'Additional Controls' option greyed out?

This typically happens if your VBA code is currently running or in break mode. Stop the debugger by clicking the 'Reset' (square) button on the toolbar, and the option will become available again.

Can I reset the VBA Toolbox to its default settings?

Yes. You can reset the Toolbox by closing Excel, navigating to your user AppData directory, and deleting the temporary .exd files (such as MSForms.exd). Excel will rebuild the toolbox to its default state the next time you open the VBA Editor.