VBA & Macro Problems

How to Unblock Macros in an Old XLS Excel File

Chanuka Geekiyanage Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to unblock and enable macros in an older .xls Excel file that was downloaded from the internet or received from another computer.

How to Unblock Macros in an Old XLS Excel File

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to run macros in an older .xls file downloaded from the internet or received via email.
Observed behavior: Windows automatically blocks the macros from running due to security restrictions applied to files originating from another computer.

Before you start

Ensure you fully trust the source of the .xls file, as macros can contain malicious code. It is also highly recommended to create a backup copy of the file before modifying its properties or security settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Unblock the File via Windows Properties

Directly unblock the file using Windows File Explorer to remove the 'Mark of the Web' security restriction.

Windows automatically flags files downloaded from the internet or received from network locations to protect your computer. You can manually remove this restriction from the file's properties.

Close Microsoft Excel

Close Microsoft Excel completely to ensure the .xls file is not locked or currently in use by the system.

Open File Properties

Navigate to the folder containing the downloaded .xls file using Windows File Explorer. Right-click the file and select 'Properties' from the context menu.

Check the Unblock Option

In the General tab, look for a Security section at the bottom. Check the 'Unblock' box (or click the 'Unblock' button if displayed).

Apply Changes

Click 'Apply' and then 'OK' to save the changes. You can now open the file in Excel and run the macros.

Security Warning: The 'Unblock' option will only appear if Windows has actively flagged the file as coming from another computer.

Solution 2

Add the File's Folder to Excel's Trusted Locations

Configure Excel to automatically trust all files and macros placed in a specific folder.

WPS Office Macro Support

Easily Manage and Run Macros in Excel Files with WPS Office

WPS Office provides robust support for VBA and macros, allowing you to open, edit, and run older .xls files smoothly without navigating complex security workarounds.

1. Open the XLS File: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your older .xls file from your local drive.
2. Enable Macros: If prompted by the macro security warning under the ribbon, simply click 'Enable Macros' to allow the code to run safely.
3. Access Macro Settings: To adjust global macro settings in WPS, navigate to the 'Developer' tab, click on 'Macro Security', and choose your preferred security level.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel .xls and .xlsm formatsAdvanced VBA support to run existing macros without syntax errorsIntuitive security settings for safe macro executionFree, lightweight, and fast-loading spreadsheet editor

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Unblock' option missing in Windows Properties?

If the 'Unblock' checkbox is not visible in the General tab, it means Windows has not applied the 'Mark of the Web' restriction to this file. In this case, the macro might be blocked directly by Excel's internal Trust Center settings rather than the operating system.

Should I convert my old .xls file to .xlsm?

Yes, it is highly recommended. After verifying that the macro works properly, use the 'Save As' feature and select the 'Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)' format. This improves file security, reduces file size, and ensures better compatibility with modern spreadsheet applications.

Is it safe to enable macros on downloaded files?

You should only enable macros if you completely trust the sender and the file's source. Macros can contain malicious scripts (malware or ransomware). Never enable macros on unexpected email attachments or files downloaded from untrusted websites.

Excel & Data Problems