Why? Because VB6 was deeply embedded in critical business applications, particularly in industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. However, with evolving technology, security concerns, and modern programming advancements, is Visual Basic still a viable option in 2025? Let’s dive into its current usage, trends, and future outlook.

Current Usage of Visual Basic

Despite being outdated, Visual Basic is still in use across multiple industries, mainly due to legacy systems that companies hesitate to migrate.

Industry Applications

1. Healthcare – Many hospital management and medical record systems were built using VB6. The software manages patient records, billing, and automation processes.

2. Finance & Banking – Banks still use VB6 for data management, financial transactions, and automation of Microsoft Office processes.

3. Manufacturing – Many industrial automation and SCADA systems still run on VB-based applications.

4. Retail & Supply Chain – Inventory management, invoicing systems, and business analytics tools were developed in VB6 and continue to function.

For example, we encountered a mid-sized finance firm that used a VB6-based loan management system. Their biggest challenge was maintaining security compliance, yet they couldn’t afford a full migration due to costs.

Challenges of Using Visual Basic in 2025

Using an outdated technology like VB6 comes with serious risks:

• Security Vulnerabilities – Since Microsoft no longer provides updates, VB6 applications are prone to cyber threats.

• Limited Functionality – Newer frameworks offer better performance, modern UI capabilities, and cloud integration.

• Compatibility Issues – Running VB6 applications on Windows 10/11 requires workarounds, and they may break with future updates.

Case Study: Struggles with Legacy VB6 Applications

A global logistics company faced frequent crashes in their VB6-based tracking system after upgrading to Windows 11. The lack of support made debugging difficult, forcing them to consider migration.

Trends in Visual Basic Usage

Popularity Over Time

VB’s popularity has significantly declined, as reflected in programming language rankings:

Although VB.NET remains in Visual Studio, it’s far behind modern languages like Python, JavaScript, and C# in adoption.

Migration Trends: Moving from VB6 to Modern Platforms

Due to security and functionality limitations, many businesses are migrating from VB6 to .NET, C#, or Python.

• Abto Software emphasizes the importance of structured migration to ensure system stability and compliance.

• Microsoft recommends VB6 users transition to .NET Core for better performance and cloud readiness.

• Industry trend: Many companies now rebuild VB6 apps using Blazor, React, or C# for better maintainability.

Case Study: A Successful VB6 Migration

A healthcare provider in Canada migrated their VB6-based patient database system to .NET Core and React. This led to faster load times, improved security, and mobile accessibility, solving many of their previous pain points.

Future Outlook for Visual Basic

Microsoft’s Strategy: Keeping VB Alive (But Barely)

Microsoft has kept Visual Basic.NET (VB.NET) alive but has made it clear that new feature development is limited. The focus is on compatibility with C# rather than innovation.

Key Updates from Microsoft

• VB.NET remains part of .NET 8 but receives minimal updates.

• Support for Windows Forms continues, but Microsoft encourages C# adoption.

• Future versions of .NET might phase out VB entirely.

Challenges: Why VB6 Will Keep Declining

1. No Official Support – Companies risk compliance issues by using outdated, unsupported software.

2. Lack of Skilled Developers – Fewer programmers learn VB6, making maintenance difficult.

3. Modern Tech Stack is More Powerful – Frameworks like Blazor, Angular, and ASP.NET Core offer better performance and scalability.

Opportunities: Why Migration is the Future

Although VB6 is becoming obsolete, businesses have an opportunity to modernize their applications:

• Better Security – Modern frameworks offer built-in encryption and compliance support.

• Cloud Integration – Migrating to Azure or AWS enables scalability and cost savings.

• AI & Automation – New platforms support AI-driven analytics and automation, improving efficiency.

Conclusion

While Visual Basic still lingers in 2025, its relevance is rapidly diminishing. Many businesses still rely on VB6, but the risks—security vulnerabilities, lack of updates, and compatibility challenges—are driving them to modern alternatives.

For businesses still using VB6, strategic migration to .NET, C#, or modern web frameworks is essential for long-term sustainability. The future is clear: VB6 is fading, and modernization is the way forward.

FAQs

1. Is Visual Basic still used today?
Yes, VB6 is still used in legacy systems across industries like finance, healthcare, and retail. However, its use is declining due to security risks and lack of updates.

2. What are the main applications of Visual Basic?
Visual Basic was widely used for desktop applications, automation scripts, and database management. Many older systems in banks, hospitals, and supply chain management still use VB-based software.

3. Why are companies migrating away from Visual Basic?
Companies migrate from VB6 to modern platforms like .NET, C#, or Python due to security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and lack of developer support.

4. What are the best alternatives to VB6?
Popular alternatives include:

• C# and .NET Core (best for enterprise applications)

• Blazor and ASP.NET (for web applications)

• Python (for automation and AI-driven solutions)

5. Can I still develop new applications in Visual Basic?
While VB.NET is still supported, Microsoft is not actively developing new features. For future-proof applications, it’s better to use C# or other modern technologies.

6. Will Microsoft discontinue Visual Basic completely?
Microsoft has not officially discontinued VB.NET, but they have made it clear that new features will be minimal. VB6, on the other hand, has been unsupported since 2008.

7. How difficult is it to migrate from VB6 to .NET?
Migration complexity depends on the size of the application. Simple VB6 programs can be converted using automated tools, but larger systems may require manual redevelopment for better scalability and performance.