VBA & Macro Problems

How to Fix Excel VBA Macros Failing After Windows 11 Upgrade

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where existing Excel VBA macros and custom add-ins no longer function after the operating system was upgraded to Windows 11.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Running previously working VBA macros designed to switch worksheets and load custom add-ins immediately following a Windows 11 OS upgrade.
Observed behavior: The macros and add-ins fail to execute on Windows 11, even though they worked perfectly on Windows 10 and the Trust Center macro security settings are correctly configured.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows 11 system and verify that your macro-enabled workbooks (.xlsm) and add-in files are unblocked in Windows File Properties.

Solution 1Recommended

Isolate and Test the VBA Macro Code

Isolating the VBA code in a fresh environment helps determine whether the failure is caused by a corrupted workbook, deprecated Windows 11 libraries, or an Excel bug.

Since system upgrades can alter default file permissions or security protocols, code that worked on Windows 10 might encounter reference errors on Windows 11. Testing the raw code directly is the most effective troubleshooting method.

Open the VBA Editor

Press Alt + F11 in Excel to launch the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Editor.

Copy the Problematic Code

Locate the specific Module containing the macro that switches worksheets or loads add-ins. Highlight the code block and copy it.

Test in a New Workbook

Create a completely new, blank workbook. Open the VBA Editor for this new file, insert a new Module, paste the copied code, and attempt to run it to see if the same error occurs.

Share Code for Debugging

If the issue persists and you are seeking help on support forums, paste the raw VBA text directly into your post rather than attaching the workbook, as many platforms block macro-enabled file attachments for security reasons.

Missing References: While in the VBA Editor, click on 'Tools' > 'References' to ensure none of the checked libraries are marked as 'MISSING'. Windows 11 upgrades can sometimes misplace system DLLs required by macros.

Run VBA Macros smoothly on Windows 11

Use WPS Office to Run Your Excel VBA Macros

WPS Office provides robust built-in VBA support and excellent compatibility with Windows 11. You can seamlessly run your macro-enabled workbooks without worrying about OS upgrade glitches or complex Trust Center reconfigurations.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the latest version of WPS Office on your Windows 11 computer.
2. Open the Macro File: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your .xlsm file containing the custom add-ins and macros.
3. Enable Macros: When prompted by the security warning at the top of the worksheet, click 'Enable Macros' to allow the scripts to run.
4. Execute the Code: Navigate to the Developer tab and click 'Macros' to run your worksheet-switching VBA code natively within WPS Office.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel macro files (.xlsm and .xls)Stable VBA environment natively optimized for Windows 11Lightweight architecture ensures fast loading of custom add-insFamiliar interface that requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Excel VBA macros suddenly fail after updating to Windows 11?

Upgrading to Windows 11 can reset system file permissions, update security protocols, or alter path variables. This can cause macros and add-ins to lose access to required system libraries or trusted locations, even if Excel's Trust Center settings appear unchanged.

How do I share my macro code if attachments aren't allowed in support forums?

Open the VBA Editor (Alt + F11), copy the raw macro text, and paste it directly into the text body of your forum post. You can also use code-sharing websites like Pastebin to share larger scripts safely.

What should I check if custom Excel add-ins fail to load in Windows 11?

First, locate the add-in file in Windows File Explorer, right-click it, select Properties, and check the 'Unblock' box if it exists. Next, ensure the folder containing the add-in is added to your Trusted Locations in the Excel Trust Center.

Does WPS Office support VBA macros?

Yes, WPS Office offers comprehensive support for VBA macros. You can open, edit, and run .xlsm and .xls files directly using the built-in VBA editor, making it an excellent alternative for troubleshooting macro errors.

Excel & Data Problems