VBA & Macro Problems

How to Unblock Excel Macros to Generate GSTR-9C JSON File

Aamir Naveed Akram Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to unblock macros in an Excel workbook, specifically the GSTR-9C offline tool, in order to successfully generate a JSON file.

How to Unblock Excel Macros to Generate a GSTR-9C JSON File

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Generating a GSTR-9C JSON file using a downloaded Excel offline tool where macros are blocked by default security settings.
Observed behavior: Excel blocks the macros in the GSTR-9C offline tool because the workbook was downloaded from the internet, preventing the generation of the required JSON file.

Before you start

Ensure that you have downloaded the GSTR-9C offline tool directly from the official government portal and that you completely trust the source before enabling any macros.

Solution 1Recommended

Unblock Macros via File Properties

This is the most direct method to allow macros to run for a specific file that was downloaded from the internet or received via email.

Windows automatically marks files downloaded from the internet as potentially dangerous. You can manually remove this restriction from the file's properties menu.

Close the Excel application

Ensure that the GSTR-9C Excel file is completely closed before attempting to change its properties.

Open File Properties

Locate the downloaded workbook on your computer, right-click the file, and select Properties from the context menu.

Unblock the file

Navigate to the General tab. Look for a Security section at the bottom, check the box next to 'Unblock', and click Apply followed by OK.

Enable Content

Reopen the GSTR-9C workbook in Excel. If a yellow security warning appears at the top, click 'Enable Content' to allow the macros to run.

Local Storage Recommended: If your file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, move it to a local folder (like your Desktop or Documents) before performing these steps.

Solution 2

Add the Folder to Excel Trusted Locations

Use this method if the 'Unblock' option is not available in the file properties or if you frequently download trusted offline tools to a specific folder.

Solution 3

Repair Your Office Installation

If you have tried unblocking the file and adding it to Trusted Locations but macros are still not running, your Microsoft Office installation may require a repair.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Generate Important Spreadsheets Seamlessly with WPS Office

Struggling with strict macro security settings in Microsoft Excel? WPS Office provides a highly compatible, secure, and user-friendly environment for handling complex spreadsheets and VBA macros. It is lightweight, free to download, and offers seamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and install it on your computer.
2. Open your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, navigate to Menu > Open, and select your macro-enabled workbook.
3. Enable Macros and Work: When prompted, securely enable macros to start utilizing the full functionality of your offline tools.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xlsm, .xls, .csv)Built-in support for VBA macros in advanced versions to handle complex offline toolsLightweight architecture that opens large data files rapidlyFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve for Excel users

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel block macros in the GSTR-9C offline tool?

Excel automatically blocks macros in files that are downloaded from the internet or received as email attachments. This is a built-in security measure designed to protect your computer from potentially malicious code embedded in unknown files.

Is it safe to unblock macros in downloaded files?

It is safe only if you are absolutely certain of the file's origin. Since the GSTR-9C offline tool is an official tax utility, it is safe to unblock provided you downloaded it directly from the official government tax portal.

What should I do if the 'Unblock' checkbox is missing in the file properties?

If the 'Unblock' option is not visible on the General tab, the file might already be unblocked, or it might be stored on a network drive or cloud storage like OneDrive. Move the file to a local folder (such as your Desktop) and check again, or add that local folder to Excel's Trusted Locations.

Can I keep the file on OneDrive while running the GSTR-9C macros?

It is highly recommended to move the GSTR-9C offline tool to a local folder on your computer's hard drive before generating the JSON file. Cloud synchronization services like OneDrive or SharePoint can sometimes interfere with VBA macro execution.

Excel & Data Problems