Despite the corporate-sounding name, Microsoft has never released a standalone "Barcode Control 16.0" as a public download.
The confusion stems from Microsoft Access 2016 (and later, Office 365). Version "16.0" refers to the Office object model version, not a standalone product lifecycle.
The control is an ActiveX OCX file (MSBCODE9.OCX or similar legacy variants) that allows developers to generate barcodes (usually Code 39, Code 128, or UPC-A) directly on a form or report without using third-party fonts.
If the control is missing from the "More Controls" toolbox in Access or Excel, it likely wasn't installed with the default Office setup. Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 Activex Download
Summary: Missing the Barcode Control in your Microsoft Access or Excel application? This guide covers how to locate, download, and install the Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0, along with critical troubleshooting tips for 64-bit systems.
While the Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is a useful legacy tool, its incompatibility with 64-bit Office makes it increasingly difficult to use in modern environments. Before spending hours troubleshooting installation errors, verify your Office version. If you are on 64-bit Office, transitioning to a barcode font or a modern third-party add-in is the most stable long-term solution.
Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 is not a standalone product available for individual download; rather, it is a built-in component included with specific versions of Microsoft Office, such as Microsoft 365 and Access. Microsoft Learn How to Access the Control While the Microsoft Barcode Control 16
If you already have a version of Office that includes the control, you can activate it directly within your application: Enable the Developer Tab File > Options > Customize Ribbon and check the Insert the Control In Excel or Word, go to the Developer tab in the Controls group, and select More Controls (the wrench/screwdriver icon). Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0 in the list and click Draw the Barcode
: Click and drag on your document or sheet to create the barcode object. Configure Properties : Right-click the control while in Design Mode and select Properties to change the symbology (e.g., Code 39, QR Code, EAN-128). Microsoft Support Important Limitations & Troubleshooting Availability
: Some versions of Excel 2016 and standalone Office installations may not include this control. It was historically tied to SharePoint Server barcode policies which were discontinued after SharePoint 2013. Security Settings : Since this is an ActiveX control, you must enable ActiveX settings Trust Center for it to function. Static Nature If you have ever dug through the legacy
: QR codes and barcodes generated this way are static, meaning they do not expire and can be scanned indefinitely as long as the underlying data is valid. Microsoft Learn Third-Party Alternatives
If your version of Office lacks the 16.0 control, you may need a third-party add-in or standalone ActiveX control. Reliable vendors include:
If you have ever dug through the legacy settings of an older Access database, an Excel 2016 template, or a Visual Basic 6 application, you might have stumbled upon a peculiar reference: Microsoft Barcode Control 16.0.
To a modern developer, this looks like a red flag. To a warehousing manager running a legacy inventory system, it looks like a necessity. This article investigates what this control actually is, whether you should download it, and the security implications of doing so.
Despite its age, demand remains high. Common scenarios include: