Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.VBS
File Type
Visual Basic Script
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .vbs file format
A VBS file is a text file containing code written in Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript). VBScript is a scripting language developed by Microsoft that is derived from Visual Basic. VBS files are commonly used for automating tasks within the Windows operating system, such as managing files, in…
File extension
.VBS
File type
Visual Basic Script
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .vbs file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .vbs.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .vbs file?
File extension details and usage information
A VBS file is a text file containing code written in Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript). VBScript is a scripting language developed by Microsoft that is derived from Visual Basic. VBS files are commonly used for automating tasks within the Windows operating system, such as managing files, interacting with applications, and performing system administration tasks. They can be executed by the Windows Script Host (WSH), which is a built-in component of Windows. VBScript is also used for client-side scripting in web pages, although its use has declined in favor of JavaScript due to security concerns and cross-platform compatibility. VBS files can be opened and edited with any text editor, but they require the WSH or a compatible interpreter to be executed. The language supports variables, loops, conditional statements, and functions, allowing for the creation of complex scripts. Due to its close integration with the Windows operating system, VBScript can access and manipulate various system resources and settings. However, this also makes it a potential target for malicious scripts, so caution should be exercised when running VBS files from untrusted sources.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .vbs files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .vbs files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .vbs file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .vbs file.
Why can't I open a .vbs file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .vbs format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .vbs files
To open a .vbs file, use software that supports this file format.
- Windows Script Host (WSH)
- Notepad
- Notepad++
- Visual Studio Code
- Sublime Text
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .vbs file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.