Although the language was initially introduced in 1996, Microsoft's recent announcement indicates the decision was made "considering the decline in VBScript usage":

Vole said that starting with the upcoming OS release later this year [Windows 11, version 24H2], VBScript will be available as features on demand. But this feature will be completely retired from future Windows OS releases. Microsoft sees its  PowerShell as much more powerful.

Microsoft said that by 2027, it will become "disabled by default," with the date of its final removal "to be determined."

However, the announcement confirms that VBScript will eventually be "retired and removed from future versions of Windows."

This means all the dynamic link libraries (.dll files) associated with VBScript will be eliminated. Consequently, projects dependent on VBScript will cease to function. By that time, it is anticipated that you will have transitioned to the recommended alternatives.

The post advises migrating applications to PowerShell or JavaScript.

This year's annual "feature update" for Windows will include Sudo for Windows, Rust in the Windows kernel, and several user interface adjustments, such as creating 7-zip and TAR archives in File Explorer."

It will also incorporate the next development of Copilot into an app affixed to the taskbar.

The phasing out of VBScript "is part of a wider strategy to eliminate Windows and Office features that threat actors exploit as attack vectors to infect users with malware.

Hackers have used VBScript in malware campaigns, disseminating variants like Lokibot, Emotet, Qbot, and, more recently, DarkGate malware.