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Is VBA Being Discontinued in Microsoft 365?
Question details
The user is inquiring about the future of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and whether Microsoft plans to discontinue it in Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Determining the long-term viability of VBA macros for data automation in Excel and Microsoft 365.
- Observed behavior
- Rumors about VBA's deprecation cause concern regarding the future functionality of existing macro-enabled workbooks.
Rest assured that your existing VBA scripts and macro-enabled workbooks (.xlsm) remain fully functional in current desktop versions of Excel.
Understanding the Current Status of VBA in Microsoft 365
Confirming that Microsoft continues to support VBA in desktop versions of Office applications.
Despite years of rumors, Microsoft has not discontinued Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Microsoft 365 or Excel. Because millions of users and global organizations rely heavily on legacy VBA code for daily operations, deprecating it would cause massive disruptions.
While Microsoft has introduced Office Scripts as a modern, cloud-friendly alternative for web automation, VBA remains a core and fully supported feature for Windows and Mac desktop applications.
Open Excel, right-click anywhere on the main ribbon, and select 'Customize the Ribbon'. Ensure the 'Developer' checkbox is ticked to access macro tools.
Navigate to the newly enabled 'Developer' tab and click on the 'Visual Basic' button, or simply press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.
Looking for a Cost-Effective Alternative that Supports Macros?
If you are evaluating the future of your Microsoft 365 subscription, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides excellent compatibility with Microsoft Excel files and supports macro execution without a hefty subscription fee.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 2. Open Your Macro-Enabled File: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'File', then 'Open', and select your existing .xlsm file.
- 3. Enable Macros: When prompted by the security warning, click 'Enable Macros' to allow your VBA code to run seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will VBA work in Excel for the Web?
No, VBA is only supported on the desktop versions of Excel for Windows and Mac. For web-based automation, you must use Office Scripts.
Are macros still safe to use in Excel?
Yes, but Microsoft has changed the default behavior to block macros in files downloaded from the internet to improve security. You can still unblock trusted files in the file properties menu.
Does WPS Office support Excel VBA macros?
Yes, WPS Office fully supports VBA in its premium versions, allowing you to run, edit, and create macros using your existing Excel .xlsm files seamlessly.
Should I learn VBA or Office Scripts?
If you primarily work on desktop applications and need deep integration with the operating system, VBA remains the standard. If you need to automate tasks on the web or across cloud platforms, Office Scripts is recommended.
