'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel Security Warning Blocking Macros After an Update
Question details
Users are experiencing a security risk warning in Excel that completely blocks macros from running after a recent Office or Windows update.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open and run macros in an Excel workbook that was downloaded from the internet, received via email, or stored outside a designated trusted location.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a red security risk warning banner at the top of the worksheet, stating that Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source is untrusted.
Before proceeding, verify that the Excel file containing the macros comes from a completely trusted and reliable source, as enabling macros from unknown or unverified sources can expose your computer to malware and security risks.
Unblock the File and Configure Trusted Locations
Resolve the macro blocking issue by manually unblocking the file in Windows properties and designating its storage folder as a Trusted Location in Excel.
Microsoft recently implemented stricter default security policies that flag files downloaded from the internet with a 'Mark of the Web' (MOTW). This automatically blocks embedded macros to protect your system.
You can bypass this restriction for safe files by unblocking them individually through Windows File Explorer and adjusting your Excel Trust Center settings.
Close Excel completely. Navigate to the folder containing the affected workbook, right-click on the file, and select 'Properties' from the context menu. On the 'General' tab, look for a 'Security' section at the bottom. Check the 'Unblock' box, then click 'Apply' and 'OK'.
Open Microsoft Excel. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options' at the bottom of the left sidebar, and then click on 'Trust Center'. Click the 'Trust Center Settings' button.
In the Trust Center menu, select 'Trusted Locations' from the left pane. Click 'Add new location', browse to select the folder where your safe macro-enabled files are stored, and check 'Subfolders of this location are also trusted' if necessary. Click 'OK'.
Open your file in Excel. Go to 'File' > 'Save As' and ensure the format is set to 'Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)'. Save the file, close it, and reopen it. If prompted by a yellow banner, click 'Enable Content'.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Spreadsheet Experience
If Excel's increasingly strict security updates and macro-blocking features are constantly disrupting your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, user-friendly alternative with exceptional compatibility for all your complex spreadsheet needs.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and easily open your existing Excel workbooks and macro files.
- 3. Enjoy Uninterrupted Work: Continue editing and managing your data seamlessly within the highly compatible WPS environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Excel suddenly start blocking my macros after an update?
Microsoft recently updated Office to block Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros by default in files sourced from the internet. This is a security measure designed to protect users from malicious scripts embedded in downloaded files or email attachments.
Can I unblock multiple Excel files at once?
You cannot unblock multiple files simultaneously through the Windows Properties menu. However, you can bypass this limitation by moving all your downloaded files into a specific folder that you have previously added to Excel's Trusted Locations.
What if the 'Unblock' checkbox is missing in the file properties?
If the Unblock option is not visible on the General tab, Windows does not consider the file to be from an external or untrusted source. In this case, ensure the file is saved as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) and verify that your Trust Center macro settings are not set to 'Disable all macros without notification'.
Is it safe to simply enable all macros in the Trust Center settings?
No, it is highly discouraged to enable all macros globally. Doing so removes essential security barriers and leaves your computer vulnerable to potentially dangerous code. It is much safer to rely on Trusted Locations or manually unblock individual files.
