Fix Office Blocking Macros on Trusted Network Paths (Version 2306)
Question details
Users are unable to execute macros in files stored on network drives due to a security block implemented after an Office update.
- Product
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Access)
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening macro-enabled Excel or Access files stored on a network share after upgrading Microsoft Office to version 2306.
- Observed behavior
- Office blocks the macros and displays a red Microsoft security warning message, even though the UNC paths are already configured as Trusted Locations.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows PC and know the hostname or IP address of your network file server before modifying Internet security settings.
Add File Server to Internet Explorer Trusted Sites
Resolve the macro blocking issue by adding your network server's IP address and hostname to Windows Trusted Sites and ensuring HTTPS verification is disabled for local networks.
Starting with recent security updates, Microsoft Office relies more heavily on Windows Internet security zones to determine if a network file is safe. Adding the server to Trusted Sites bypasses the strict 'Mark of the Web' blocks.
Click the Windows Start menu, type 'Internet Options', and open the Control Panel applet.
Go to the 'Security' tab, select the 'Trusted sites' zone (green checkmark icon), and click the 'Sites' button.
Uncheck the box at the bottom that says 'Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone' so you can add standard network paths.
In the 'Add this website to the zone' field, type your file server's IP address and click 'Add'. Repeat this process for the server's hostname.
Open Excel, navigate to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations. Ensure your UNC path (e.g., \\servername\share) is listed and 'Allow Trusted Locations on my network' is checked.
Roll Back Microsoft Office to Version 2305
If adjusting Trusted Sites does not resolve the issue, reverting your Office installation to the previous version (2305) will temporarily bypass the new security restrictions.
Use WPS Office to Safely Run Your Spreadsheets and Macros
If Microsoft Office updates are disrupting your workflow by aggressively blocking trusted network macros, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, stable environment for your spreadsheets without disruptive update glitches.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Enable Macros: Open WPS Spreadsheets, go to the Developer tab, and ensure macro execution is permitted in the security settings.
- 3. Open Network File: Navigate to your network drive and open your .xlsm file directly in WPS Office to run your macros smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft Office suddenly start blocking my macros after the 2306 update?
Microsoft frequently updates its security policies to protect users from malicious scripts. In version 2306, stricter rules were applied to files originating from network shares and the internet (Mark of the Web), which sometimes mistakenly blocks legitimate macro files even if they are in Trusted Locations.
What is a UNC path in Windows?
A UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path is a complete network address used to access shared folders and files, formatted as \\server_name\share_name\file_path. Microsoft Office identifies Trusted Locations more reliably using UNC paths compared to mapped local drive letters (like Z:).
Do I need administrative rights to change Trusted Sites in Internet Options?
Yes, adding IP addresses or hostnames to the Trusted Sites zone in Windows usually requires administrative privileges. If you are on a corporate network, these settings might be locked or managed by your IT department via Group Policy.
Can I disable macro security entirely to fix this?
It is highly discouraged to completely disable macro security, as doing so leaves your computer vulnerable to malicious code. The safest method is to correctly configure Trusted Locations and Trusted Sites for the specific network servers you use.
