Do not download COM/ActiveX binaries from untrusted file-sharing sites.
Once installed, you can add it to your project:
In the world of legacy enterprise software, few components have caused as much confusion as the Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 ActiveX. For decades, developers using Microsoft Access, Visual Basic 6.0, Excel VBA, and older Windows Forms applications have relied on this control to generate Code 39, Code 128, and UPC barcodes without writing complex algorithms from scratch.
However, if you have landed on this article searching for a direct Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 ActiveX download, you have likely encountered a frustrating reality: Microsoft no longer offers this control as a standalone, public download.
This article will explain exactly what the control is, why it is so difficult to find, how to legally obtain it, step-by-step installation instructions, common errors, and—most importantly—modern alternatives for barcode generation.
It is crucial to note that Microsoft does not provide Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 as a standalone public download. Because it is intellectual property bundled with the Office suite, you cannot legally or safely download the individual .ocx file (typically named MSCOMCT2.OCX or similar depending on the specific barcode library version) from third-party "DLL download" sites. Downloading ActiveX controls from unverified sources poses a significant security risk.
Instead, the control is installed automatically when you install Microsoft Office Professional Plus or specific Retail versions that include Access.
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: Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 Activex Download
The hunt for a Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 ActiveX download is a dead end in 2026. Even if you find an obscure copy, you will inherit significant security, legal, and stability issues. Microsoft has made its position clear: ActiveX is being phased out, and the barcode control is unsupported legacy technology.
Instead, invest your time in modern alternatives:
Your users need reliable, secure barcode generation. Do not jeopardize their systems with an unsupported, unmaintained control from a shady download site.
About the Author: This guide is maintained by systems integration specialists with 20+ years of experience in enterprise barcode solutions.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. No download links to unofficial or illegal copies of Microsoft software are provided. Always verify licenses and security compliance with your organization’s IT policies.
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. In the world of legacy enterprise software, few
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
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: It is crucial to note that Microsoft does
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
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")?