VBA & Macro Problems

How to Fix Excel VBA Files Blocked by SharePoint Security

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing issues where SharePoint and Office block Excel VBA files, archived workbooks, project.bin files, and UserForms due to default macro security restrictions on files from internet locations.

Product: Microsoft Excel / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open and run Excel files containing VBA macros that are hosted on or downloaded from SharePoint.
Observed behavior: Excel VBA files and their associated modules are blocked from executing because macros originating from internet locations are heavily restricted by default security policies.

Before you start

Verify that the Excel files and macros you are trying to unblock come from a reliable and trusted source, as bypassing macro security can expose your system to malicious code.

Solution 1Recommended

Unblock the Downloaded Excel File via Properties

Bypass the default internet macro restrictions for specific individual files you have downloaded and verified as safe.

When you download a file from SharePoint or the internet, Windows tags it with a 'Mark of the Web' (MotW). Microsoft Office uses this tag to block macros automatically. You can remove this tag manually through file properties.

Locate the Excel file

Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the downloaded SharePoint Excel file is saved.

Access file properties

Right-click on the Excel workbook and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Unblock the macro

On the General tab, look for the 'Security' section at the very bottom. Check the box next to 'Unblock', then click 'Apply' and 'OK'. Open the file again in Excel.

Solution 2

Inspect and Recover VBA using Python Tools

Use advanced analysis tools like OLETools or oledump.py to safely inspect the project.bin file and extract VBA code if the file remains blocked or corrupted.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management

If strict SharePoint and Microsoft Office macro security policies are constantly disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling complex spreadsheets effortlessly.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the brief on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your device.
3. Open your spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your Excel files seamlessly to resume your work.

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microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint block my Excel VBA files?

By default, Microsoft Office blocks macros in files that originate from the internet or network locations (like SharePoint) to protect users from potentially malicious code. This security measure is triggered by the 'Mark of the Web' assigned to downloaded files.

What is a project.bin file in Excel?

The project.bin (or vbaProject.bin) file is a binary file stored within macro-enabled Excel formats (such as .xlsm or .xlsb). It contains the actual VBA source code, modules, and UserForms used in the workbook.

How can I prevent my VBA macros from being blocked in the future?

You can prevent blocking by adding your SharePoint site to your computer's Trusted Sites in Windows Internet Options, or by configuring Trusted Locations within the Excel Trust Center settings so files opened from those locations bypass macro checks.

Is it safe to use oledump.py or OLETools for VBA recovery?

Yes, oledump.py and OLETools are widely recognized, safe utilities used by security analysts and developers. They allow you to inspect OLE files and extract VBA macros passively, without actually executing any potentially harmful code.

Excel & Data Problems