wscriptexe

wscriptexe, typically written as WScript.exe, is the Windows Script Host executable used to run scripts on Windows. It provides a scripting environment for automating tasks via VBScript and JScript, enabling interaction with the operating system and COM objects. WScript.exe is part of the Windows Script Host framework and is located in the Windows system directory. It executes script files with extensions such as .vbs, .js, and .wsf, and can also run individual commands supplied on the command line. By default, WScript.exe may display GUI prompts and message boxes as part of script interactions; for console-based output, the companion CScript.exe is used, which runs in a command prompt instead of showing dialogs.

WScript.exe supports a number of command-line switches that control its behavior, such as enabling or suppressing the script engine's logo, running in batch mode, or enabling debugging. The exact syntax is documented in Windows scripting resources.

Security and compatibility: WScript.exe is used by administrators and developers to automate Windows tasks, deploy software, and integrate with system components. Because scripts can execute arbitrary actions, it can be exploited by malware if sourced from untrusted locations. Security practices include restricting script execution, using code signing, and applying least-privilege principles, as well as monitoring for unexpected WScript.exe activity.

See also: Windows Script Host, VBScript, JScript, CScript.exe, Group Policy.