VBA & Macro Problems

Will Digitally Signed Excel Macros Run Automatically?

Partner Editor Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

Determine whether workbooks containing digitally signed VBA macros can execute automatically without prompting security warnings.

Will Digitally Signed Excel Macros Run Automatically?

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening a macro-enabled workbook when the Trust Center is set to disable all macros except those that are digitally signed.
Observed behavior: Execution depends on the validity of the digital signature and whether the publisher is recognized as trusted on the recipient's machine.

Before you start

Verify that you know the source of the macro-enabled workbook and ensure your Excel Trust Center settings are configured to protect your device from unauthorized code.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Digital Signatures and Trusted Publishers in Trust Center

Check your Trust Center configuration and publisher status to allow signed macros to run without security prompts.

When Excel's security setting is configured to 'Disable VBA macros except digitally signed macros', the application evaluates the certificate attached to the code before executing it.

For a macro to run completely automatically, two conditions must be met: the digital signature must be currently valid (not expired or revoked), and the certificate's publisher must already exist in your local Trusted Publishers list. If the publisher is not yet trusted, Excel will display a security warning prompting the user to manually verify and enable the content.

Access Trust Center Settings

Open Microsoft Excel, click on the 'File' tab, and select 'Options' at the bottom left. In the Excel Options dialog, click on 'Trust Center' and then the 'Trust Center Settings' button.

Verify Macro Settings

Select 'Macro Settings' from the left pane. Ensure the option 'Disable VBA macros except digitally signed macros' is selected.

Review Trusted Publishers

Click on 'Trusted Publishers' in the left menu. Here you can view the list of developers whose signed macros are pre-approved to run automatically on your computer.

Enable Content from New Publishers

If you open a digitally signed macro from a developer not on the list, click 'Enable Content' or 'Trust all from this publisher' on the Security Message Bar to add them to your Trusted Publishers list for future automatic execution.

Verify Digital Signatures and Trusted Publishers in Trust Center

Expired or Invalid Certificates: If the macro's digital certificate is expired, corrupted, or from a known untrusted publisher, Excel will actively block the macro or trigger a strict security warning, regardless of your other settings.

Safe Macro Execution

Run and Manage Macros Safely with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office provides robust support for managing VBA macros safely. You get a seamless, secure environment to automate tasks while maintaining full control over which scripts are allowed to execute.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office, ensuring the VBA module is included for macro support.
2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the .xlsm or .xlsb file containing the digitally signed macros.
3. Access Developer Tools: Navigate to the 'Developer' tab on the top ribbon to view macro tools and the VBA editor.
4. Configure Macro Security: Click 'Macro Security' to define your execution rules, deciding whether to prompt for all macros or only run signed ones.

High compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsm) macro formatsGranular security controls for handling digitally signed scriptsFree, lightweight, and familiar interface for seamless workflow transitions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my digitally signed macro still being blocked by Excel?

This usually happens if the digital certificate has expired, was issued by an unrecognized certificate authority, or if the publisher has not been added to your Trusted Publishers list.

How do I add a developer to the Trusted Publishers list?

When you open a signed workbook from a new developer, a Security Warning appears below the ribbon. Clicking 'Enable Content' or selecting the option to trust the publisher in the Trust Center dialog will add them to your list.

Do I need to change my Trust Center settings to run signed macros?

No. If your setting is already on 'Disable VBA macros except digitally signed macros' and the publisher is trusted, the macros will execute automatically without any further settings changes.

Can I run macros without a digital signature at all?

Yes, but you must either store the workbook in a designated 'Trusted Location' or change your Trust Center settings to enable all macros. Enabling all macros is generally discouraged due to security risks.

Excel & Data Problems