Macros can be a real time-saver in Excel, automating repetitive tasks and boosting your productivity. But for security reasons, Excel often blocks macros from running, especially from external sources like downloaded files. We must Unblock the files in order to run the Macros, this blog post will guide you through two methods for unblocking macros:
Why Macro Files from the internet are blocked by default in Office?
Microsoft specifically blocks macros obtained from the internet by default in Office applications like Excel. This security feature was introduced to help protect users from malware and viruses that can be hidden within macros. These malicious macros can be embedded in files downloaded from the internet and can potentially harm your computer if executed.
Here’s a breakdown of the security measure:
- When does it occur? Whenever you try to open a macro-enabled file downloaded from the internet (like emails or websites), Microsoft Office will block the macros from running automatically.
- What happens? You’ll see a warning message indicating that the macros are blocked due to security risks.
- Why is it important? Malicious actors can use macros to deliver malware, ransomware, or steal sensitive information. Blocking them by default helps prevent such attacks.
While this security measure can be inconvenient at times, it’s crucial for protecting your system. If you’re dealing with a macro-enabled file from a trusted source, there are ways to unblock it, but proceed with caution (as discussed in previous responses). It’s important to only unblock macros from reliable sources you trust completely.
Unblocking the Macros Files: 3 Easy Methods
We can unblock the macro files downloaded from the external source using the following 3 approaches. You can choose the most suitable approach based on your requirement and use case.
Method 1: Unblocking a Specific File
This method is ideal if you received a macro-enabled workbook from a trusted source. Here’s how to do it:
- Close the Excel file. Macros won’t be accessible while the file is open.
- Navigate to the file location in your File Explorer.
- Right-click the file and select Properties.
- In the Properties window, locate the General tab.
- At the bottom, find the Unblock checkbox. Make sure it’s checked.
- Click OK.
Now, when you open the file again, the macro warning shouldn’t appear, and you should be able to run the macros.
Method 2: Unblock all files from a specific Trusted Location or Publisher
This method allows you to Unblock all macro workbooks from a Trusted Folder in your computer, from Trusted Publisher. However, it’s important to proceed with caution as running macros from untrusted sources can be risky. Only use this method if you’re confident about the source of your macro-enabled files.
- Open Microsoft Excel.
- Click the File tab.
- Go to Options at the bottom left.
- In the Excel Options window, select Trust Center.
- Click on Trust Center Settings.
- Now, you can add the Trusted Publishers and Locations.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Remember: Enabling macros from untrusted sources can expose your system to malware. It’s vital to only run macros from reliable sources.
Method 3: Unblock all files from a specific Network Location or Website
We often download macro enabled files from a cloud location, such as popular websites or an internal file servers, you can set the website or server location as a trusted network locations in Windows to avoid blocking the files. This method allows you to Unblock all macro workbooks from a Trusted Network Location or Websites.
- Open Internet Options (use start button or Windows key and search for ‘Internet Options’).
- Go to Security tab.
- Click on the Sites button.
- Now, you can add the Trusted Websites and Network server Locations.
- Click Close.
Remember: Enabling macros from untrusted Network locations can put your system in high risk. It’s vital to only add trusted network locations and websites.
By following these methods, you can unlock the power of macros in Excel while maintaining a balance with security.
FAQs: Unlocking Macros in Excel
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Unlocking Excel Macro Enable Files and VBA Macros:
Q: I keep getting a message that Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted. What does this mean?
A: This is a security feature introduced by Microsoft to protect users from potentially harmful macros. By default, macros, especially from external sources like downloaded files, are blocked.
Q: How can I see the blocked macro and decide if it’s safe?
A: Unfortunately, with the current security settings, you can’t directly enable macros from the warning message. However, you have 3 options:
- Unlock the Specific File (if trusted source): Refer to Method 1 in the blog post. This allows you to run the macro from a specific file you trust.
- Unblock all files from a specific Trusted Location or Publisher: Refer to Method 2 in the blog post
- Unblock all files from a specific Network Location or Website: Refer to Method 3 in the blog post
Q: Is it safe to unblock macros altogether?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Only unblock macros from reliable sources or those you created yourself. Unrestricted macro access can expose your system to malware.
Q: Are there alternative ways to achieve what the macro was supposed to do?
A: Possibly! Explore Excel’s built-in features like formulas, functions, or recording formulas with the Formula Recorder. For more complex automation, consider creating custom functions using VBA without relying on external macros.
Q: I want to run a macro from a trusted source, but it’s still blocked. What can I do?
A: First, ensure the file isn’t marked as coming from the internet. Right-click the file, go to Properties, and under the General tab, check the “Unblock” box if it’s selected. If it’s from a trusted source on your network, you might need to adjust Trust Center settings to allow macros from that location. (Proceed with caution!)
Q: Is it safe to enable macros?
A: Enabling macros can be risky if done from untrusted sources. Malicious macros can contain viruses or malware that can harm your computer. Only enable macros from reliable sources or workbooks you created yourself.
Q: How can I tell if a macro is safe?
A: It’s difficult to be absolutely certain, but some indicators can help. If you received the macro from a trusted source like a colleague or a reputable website, it’s less risky. If the macro performs a function you understand and seems beneficial, it’s a better sign. However, if the source is unknown or the macro’s purpose seems unclear, it’s best to avoid it.
Q: Are there any alternative ways to automate tasks in Excel without macros?
A: Yes, Excel offers several built-in features for automating tasks. You can explore functions, formulas, recording formulas with the Formula Recorder, or creating custom functions using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) without relying on external macros.
Q: I accidentally enabled macros for all files. How can I disable them again?
A: Follow the steps mentioned in Method 2 (Trust Center Settings) but choose a more restrictive security option in ‘Macro Settings’ Section like “Disable all macros with notification” or “Disable all macros without notification.”
Q: My Developer tab is hidden. How do I enable it?
A: Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. In the right-hand pane, check the box for “Developer” and click OK.