No. Microsoft does not offer a standalone, public download for "Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0" (MSBARCODE.OCX). This file is only installed as part of the Microsoft Office 2016 (or later) Access suite or as part of the Microsoft Access Database Engine redistributable.
If you cannot find the control in the list, there are two common reasons:
Do not hunt for a standalone "Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0" download. If you need it:
Need help migrating an old Access/VB6 app away from ActiveX barcodes? Reply with your use case (e.g., "labels in Access report" or "VB6 form") for step-by-step guidance.
This content is for informational purposes. Always verify software licenses with Microsoft.
The Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is an ActiveX component primarily used within the Microsoft Office suite (specifically Access and Excel) to generate and display barcodes based on data within a document or database. 🛠️ What is Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0?
This control is a legacy tool that allows users to convert alphanumeric data into a visual barcode format. Version: 16.0 corresponds with Office 2016 and Office 365.
Function: It supports several standard symbologies, including Code 39, Code 128, and EAN-13.
Usage: Commonly found in Access reports for inventory tags or Excel sheets for tracking assets. 📥 How to Download and Install Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 Activex Download
Unlike standard software, you rarely download this as a standalone file. It is typically bundled with specific versions of Office.
Included in Office Professional: It is usually installed automatically with Microsoft Access.
Access Runtime: If you don't have the full version of Access, downloading the Microsoft Access Runtime (available on the official Microsoft Download Center) often installs the necessary ActiveX controls.
Registration: After installation, the file (msbcode9.ocx) must be registered in the Windows System folder to appear in your "Insert Object" menus. ⚠️ Critical Limitations
Before implementing this control, consider these significant drawbacks:
Bit-Depth Issues: ActiveX is a 32-bit technology. It often fails or disappears if you are running the 64-bit version of Office.
Security: ActiveX is considered an outdated and potentially insecure technology. Many modern IT environments disable it by default.
Printing Flaws: Users frequently report that the barcodes generated by this control do not scale well, leading to "unscannable" lines when printed at high resolutions. 💡 Modern Alternatives Need help migrating an old Access/VB6 app away
Most developers now avoid the ActiveX control in favor of more stable methods:
Barcode Fonts: Installing a font (like "IDAutomation") and simply changing the text font style.
VBA Generators: Using pure VBA code to "draw" the barcode using box elements, which works in both 32-bit and 64-bit Office.
API Services: Using a web-based API to generate an image of a barcode and inserting it into the document.
If you are trying to fix a specific error, I can help you troubleshoot. Please let me know: Are you using 32-bit or 64-bit Office? Which program are you using (Excel, Access, or Word)?
Are you seeing a specific error message (e.g., "Cannot insert object")?
Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is not available as a standalone download; it is a built-in component of specific Microsoft Office versions, most notably included with Microsoft Access How to Access the Control
If you have a compatible version of Office installed (such as Office 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365), you can enable and use the control directly within Excel or Access using these steps: Enable the Developer Tab : In your Office application, go to Customize Ribbon and check the Insert the Control tab, click in the Controls group. ActiveX Controls , click the More Controls icon (looks like a screwdriver and wrench). Select Barcode Control : Scroll through the list to find Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 This content is for informational purposes
. You can then click and drag on your sheet or form to draw the barcode. Important Considerations Availability
: This control is officially discontinued in some versions of Excel 2016 and later. If you do not see it in your "More Controls" list, your specific Office installation may not include it. Language Dependency
: Some users have found the control only appears after installing specific language packs, such as Chinese Simplified
, which may trigger the component to become active in the system. Alternatives
: Since ActiveX is increasingly deprecated for security reasons, Microsoft recommends using the DISPLAYBARCODE field code in Word or using modern add-ins like those from for more reliable performance.
Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is not available as a standalone download; it is a built-in component of specific Microsoft Office versions, primarily intended for How to Access the Control
If your version of Office includes this feature, you can activate it through the Developer tab Enable the Developer Tab Customize Ribbon and check the Insert the Control group, click and select the More Controls icon (looks like a screwdriver and wrench). Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 in the list and click Place on Sheet
: Click and drag on your worksheet or form to draw the barcode object. Add or register an ActiveX control - Microsoft Support
Microsoft no longer offers Barcode Control 16.0 as a standalone download. It is only available as part of legacy suites. Here are the legitimate ways to obtain it: