How to Safely Enable Excel Macros on macOS Big Sur
Question details
The user needs to safely enable and run macros in Excel on macOS Big Sur after receiving a notification that macros are disabled.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur
- Scenario
- Opening a macro-enabled workbook and needing to execute VBA scripts without compromising system security.
- Observed behavior
- Excel blocks the macros from running and reports that they are disabled in the workbook, requiring manual adjustment of security preferences.
Before changing your security settings, verify that the macro-enabled workbook comes from a trusted and reliable source, as macros can contain potentially harmful code.
Adjust Macro Security Preferences to Prompt for Approval
This is the safest method. It prevents all macros from running automatically but gives you a notification so you can manually approve macros on a case-by-case basis.
By default, Excel for Mac protects your computer by disabling macros. Instead of enabling all macros unconditionally (which introduces significant security risks), it is highly recommended to use the notification setting. This ensures you maintain full control over which scripts are allowed to execute on your Mac.
Launch Excel on your Mac. In the top Apple menu bar, click on 'Excel' and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
In the Preferences window, locate and click on the 'Security' icon.
Under the Macro Security section, select the option labeled 'Disable all macros with notification'. This is the optimal setting for balancing functionality and safety.
Completely close Microsoft Excel. Reopen the application and load your macro-enabled workbook. You will now see a prompt at the top of the sheet; click 'Enable Macros' if you trust the file.
Open and Run Macro-Enabled Workbooks Free with WPS Office
If you frequently work with macros and need a reliable, lightweight solution on your Mac, WPS Office provides an excellent alternative. It offers powerful VBA support, ensuring your macro-enabled spreadsheets run smoothly without the heavy resource usage.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and go to Menu > Open to locate your macro-enabled file.
- 3. Enable Macros Safely: When opening the .xlsm file, WPS will display a safe notification prompting you to enable macros for trusted documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are macros disabled by default in Excel for Mac?
Macros are disabled by default as a strict security measure. VBA macros are executable scripts that, if maliciously written, can install malware, delete files, or compromise personal data on your macOS system.
Can I enable macros for just one specific workbook?
Yes. By setting your Macro Security to 'Disable all macros with notification', Excel will prompt you each time you open a workbook containing macros. You can click 'Enable Macros' for that specific file while keeping your default protection active for all other files.
What happens if I choose 'Enable all macros'?
If you select 'Enable all macros', Excel will run any VBA script embedded in a workbook automatically upon opening it, without asking for your permission. This removes a critical security barrier and is highly discouraged.
