VBA & Macro Problems

How to Edit or Delete Macros in Microsoft Word for Windows

John Wilson Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to find where macros are stored and learn how to edit or delete them in Microsoft Word for Windows, especially when standard macro dialogs fail to open.

How to Edit or Delete Macros in Microsoft Word for Windows

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Modifying or removing existing macros, or troubleshooting macro storage access issues within Word.
Observed behavior: The Macros dialog closes unexpectedly or reports that the macro storage cannot be opened when attempting to manage macros.

Before you start

Ensure that your document is saved as a Macro-Enabled Document (.docm) and that you have enabled developer tools or macro execution in your Word Trust Center settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Visual Basic Editor to Manage Macros

Bypass the Macros dialog box and use the Visual Basic Editor (VBE) to directly access, edit, or delete macros stored in your document or the Normal.dotm template.

Recorded macros are typically stored in the Normal.dotm template by default. If the standard Macros dialog fails to load or closes unexpectedly, accessing the code directly through the Visual Basic Editor is the most reliable workaround.

Open the Visual Basic Editor

Open Microsoft Word and press the 'Alt + F11' keyboard shortcut. Note: On some laptop keyboards, you may need to press 'Fn + Alt + F11' simultaneously.

Locate the Macro Project

In the Project Explorer pane on the left side of the window, look for the 'Normal' project (which represents the Normal.dotm template) or the specific project named after your current document.

Find the Specific Macro

Expand the 'Modules' folder under the project tree. Double-click on 'NewMacros' or the specific module where your macros are saved to view the VBA code.

Edit or Delete the Macro

To edit, simply modify the VBA code in the text window. To delete, highlight the entire macro block (from 'Sub MacroName()' to 'End Sub') and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Use the Visual Basic Editor to Manage Macros

Save Your Changes: After editing or deleting your macros, click the Save icon in the Visual Basic Editor or press 'Ctrl + S' to ensure the changes to your Normal.dotm template or document are applied.

Solution 2

Manage Macros via the Developer Tab

If your Macros dialog box is functioning normally, you can manage your macros directly from the Word ribbon without needing shortcuts.

Efficient Document Automation

Manage Macros Seamlessly in WPS Writer

WPS Office provides robust built-in support for managing macros and VBA. You can automate repetitive tasks, record new workflows, and edit macro code exactly as you would in Microsoft Word, all within a highly compatible environment.

1. Enable Developer Tools: Open your macro-enabled document in WPS Writer and navigate to the 'Developer' tab on the top ribbon.
2. Open the Macros List: Click on the 'Macros' button to view a list of all macros stored in the current document and global templates.
3. Edit or Delete: Select the target macro from the list. Click 'Edit' to launch the WPS Macro Editor and modify the code, or click 'Delete' to remove it completely.
4. Use Shortcuts: Alternatively, you can press 'Alt + F11' directly within WPS Writer to instantly open the Visual Basic Editor and manage your VBA modules.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx, .docm).Built-in Developer tools for recording, editing, and deleting macros.Lightweight, fast, and free to download.Familiar ribbon interface makes transitioning from Microsoft Office effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Macros dialog close automatically in Word?

This usually happens if the macro storage or the Normal.dotm template has become corrupted. Bypassing the standard dialog by pressing Alt+F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor directly often resolves this access issue.

Where are my recorded macros stored by default?

In Microsoft Word, newly recorded macros are typically stored in the Normal.dotm template. This makes the macros universally accessible across all new blank documents you create.

Can I recover a macro after I delete it?

Once a macro is deleted from the Visual Basic Editor and the document or Normal.dotm template is saved, it cannot be easily recovered. Always ensure you have a backup of your VBA code or document before deleting.

Why does Alt+F11 not open the Visual Basic Editor on my laptop?

Many modern laptops have dual-function F-keys that prioritize media controls. If Alt+F11 doesn't work, you likely need to hold the 'Fn' (Function) key as well. Try pressing 'Fn + Alt + F11'.

Excel & Data Problems