If you're looking to download the VB6 runtime to run VB6 applications, here are the steps you can follow:
If you're a developer looking to distribute the VB6 runtime with your application:
The original source code for the VB6 command-line wrapper is available in various public code repositories. By compiling yourself, you ensure no hidden payloads.
Step-by-step:
Result: A clean, verifiable executable you compiled byte-for-byte.
If you're looking to work with VB6 projects or similar, consider:
Many users searching for vb6cli.exe don't actually need it. The standard VB6.EXE can compile from the command line without any wrapper, provided you handle the limitations. download vb6cli.exe
The standard syntax:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\VB98\VB6.EXE" /make "C:\MyProject.vbp" /outdir "C:\Build\Output"
To suppress dialogs, set environment variables before calling:
set BUILD_NUMBER=1
set VB6_IGNORE_WARNINGS=1
VB6.EXE /make project.vbp /outdir . /d BUILD_NUMBER=%BUILD_NUMBER%
Caveat: This fails if your project triggers a modal dialog (e.g., missing reference). You must ensure all dependencies are pre-registered. If you're looking to download the VB6 runtime
Cybercriminals know that vb6cli.exe is searched for by desperate developers working on legacy systems—an audience that often runs old, insecure operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 7). Fake download sites bundle the following with "vb6cli.exe":
If you are setting up a new build pipeline, avoid vb6cli.exe entirely. Use these modern solutions:
| Tool | Description | Safety |
|------|-------------|--------|
| MSBuild (via VB6 MSBuild Tasks) | Community-developed MSBuild tasks that call VB6.EXE with proper error handling. | High (open-source) |
| Docker with VB6 | Run VB6 inside a Windows container with a hidden desktop via winexe or xvfb. | High (isolated) |
| Jenkins + vbshelper | A VBScript that launches VB6.EXE and waits for it to close using WScript.Shell. | Medium (requires scripting) | insecure operating systems (Windows XP