How to Fix Missing ActiveX Control Toolbox in Excel VBA UserForm
Question details
The user needs to locate and add missing ActiveX controls to the Toolbox when building an 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.
Ensure you have the Developer tab enabled in your Excel ribbon and that your current workbook is saved as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).
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.
Press Alt + F11 on your keyboard to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.
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.
Right-click anywhere inside the blank space of the Toolbox and select 'Additional Controls' from the shortcut menu.
Scroll through the list of available controls, check the boxes next to the ActiveX controls you want to add, and click 'OK'.

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. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).
- 3. Access the Developer Tools: Go to the Developer tab on the ribbon to access the VBA Editor, Macros, and security settings.
- 4. Manage UserForms: Open the VBA Editor, insert a UserForm, and utilize the built-in toolbox for ActiveX controls seamlessly.

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.




