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Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is an ActiveX component bundled with specific Microsoft Office desktop editions, rather than available as a standalone download, with 2025 security updates blocking default ActiveX usage. The control, used for generating barcodes in Access and Excel, may be installed or repaired via the Access Runtime, or replaced by third-party tools like ActiveBarcode or font-based encoders. For details on this, visit Microsoft Learn.
Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 ActiveX: Installation and Usage Guide
The Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 ActiveX is a built-in component of the Microsoft Office suite that allows users to generate and embed barcodes—including QR codes and standard linear barcodes—directly within applications like Access, Excel, and Word. Is There a Standalone Download?
There is no standalone official download for Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0. Because it is a native component of Microsoft Office, it is installed automatically with certain versions of the suite, particularly Office 2016, Office 2019, and Microsoft 365.
If you cannot find the control in your application, ensure you are using a supported version of Office and that the Developer tab is enabled. How to Access and Install the Control
To use the Barcode Control 16.0, follow these steps within your Office application: learn.microsoft.com
Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is not a standalone product you can download individually; it is a built-in component of specific Microsoft Office versions, most notably included with Microsoft Access. If you have a professional version of Office installed, you likely already have it on your system. How to Access the Control
Since there is no official direct download link, you must enable it within an Office application like Excel or Access: Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 Activex Download
Enable the Developer Tab: If you don't see "Developer" in your top menu, right-click any tab, select Customize the Ribbon, and check the Developer box. Insert ActiveX Control: Go to the Developer tab. Click Insert (in the Controls group).
Select the More Controls icon (looks like a screwdriver and wrench).
Locate the Control: Scroll down the list to find Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0. Select it and click OK.
Place the Barcode: Click and drag on your sheet or form to draw the barcode. Essential Troubleshooting & Tips
Missing from List: If the control doesn't appear, it may be because you are using a version of Office (like Home or Student) that doesn't include the Access components. Some users have found that installing Chinese (Simplified) language features in Office can sometimes trigger the control to appear in certain builds.
Security Restrictions: Modern versions of Microsoft 365 and Office 2024 now disable ActiveX by default for security. You may need to adjust your Trust Center settings to allow ActiveX controls to run.
Property Settings: To change the barcode type (e.g., Code 128, QR Code, UPC), right-click the inserted barcode, select Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 Object, and then Properties. Third-Party Alternatives Microsoft Barcode Control 16
If you cannot find the native Microsoft control or need advanced features (like high-res vector output), professional SDKs are available for download: ActiveX Barcode Control & DLL User Manual - IDAutomation
Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is an ActiveX component integrated into Microsoft Office (Excel and Access) rather than a standalone file available for direct download. It allows users to generate and print barcodes directly within Office documents by linking barcode objects to specific data fields. How to Access Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0
Since this tool is built into Microsoft 365 and Office 2016/2019/2021, you do not need to find an external .exe or .ocx file. You can enable it through the following steps:
Enable the Developer Tab: If you don't see the "Developer" tab in your Ribbon, right-click any tab, select Customize the Ribbon, and check the Developer box. Insert the Control: Go to the Developer tab.
In the Controls group, click Insert and then select More Controls (the icon with a hammer and wrench).
Scroll down the list to find Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0.
Place the Object: Select it and click on your worksheet or report to draw the barcode area. Downloading for Non-Office Users Included in some Visual Studio 6
If the control is missing because you do not have a full Office license, it is often included in the Microsoft Access Runtime. Installing the runtime can sometimes register the necessary ActiveX components on your system:
Barnhill.BarcodeLibIf you already have a licensed machine with the control registered:
MSBCODE9.OCX from C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (for 64-bit OS) or C:\Windows\System32 (32-bit).MSBCODE9.DEP, MSBCODE9.INI (if present).regsvr32 msbcode9.ocx on the target machine.Important: Redistribution rights do not extend to unlicensed third parties. You may only use the control on machines that have a corresponding Microsoft Office license.
If you have the file but it isn't registering, or you are deploying manually, the file is typically named MSBCODE9.OCX.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE16\regsvr32 "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE16\MSBCODE9.OCX"If your application requires this control, do not download it. Fix the registration:
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\msbcode9.ocx (for 64-bit Windows) or C:\Windows\System32\msbcode9.ocx (for 32-bit Windows).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:
While the Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is a powerful tool for legacy database management, it is not a standalone download. It is an integrated feature of specific Office installations. Users should check their ActiveX list within Access or Excel to enable it, or pivot to using dedicated barcode fonts and modern add-ins if the control is absent from their Office configuration.