Office Settings & Configuration

How to Add a Shared OneDrive Folder as an Excel Trusted Location

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 7, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to configure Excel to trust a shared OneDrive folder so that macros (such as those in a PERSONAL.XLSB workbook) can run without being blocked.

How to Add a Shared OneDrive Folder as an Excel Trusted Location

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to run macros from a workbook stored in a shared OneDrive folder or XLSTART folder within OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Excel blocks the macros because the file is considered to be from an untrusted location, and there is no file property option to manually trust the workbook.

Before you start

Ensure that your OneDrive folder is actively syncing to your local device, as Excel Trust Center requires a local file-system path (e.g., C:\Users\Username\OneDrive) rather than a web URL.

Solution 1Recommended

Add the Local OneDrive Sync Folder to Trusted Locations

Use the Excel Trust Center to add the local, synchronized OneDrive folder path to your trusted locations, which allows macros inside that folder to run securely.

Office applications require a local file-system path to verify trusted locations. You cannot use an HTTP or SharePoint URL. By syncing the shared OneDrive folder to your PC and trusting that local path, Excel will recognize the files as safe.

Open Trust Center Settings

Launch Excel, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Options'. In the Excel Options dialog box, click on 'Trust Center' in the left pane, then click the 'Trust Center Settings' button.

Navigate to Trusted Locations

In the Trust Center window, select 'Trusted Locations' from the left-hand menu to view your currently trusted paths.

Add the OneDrive Sync Folder

Click the 'Add new location' button at the bottom. Click 'Browse' and navigate to your local OneDrive sync folder (for example, C:\Users\[YourUsername]\OneDrive).

Trust Subfolders

Check the box that says 'Subfolders of this location are also trusted' if your macros or PERSONAL.XLSB file are stored in folders within the main OneDrive directory, then click 'OK' to apply.

Add the Local OneDrive Sync Folder to Trusted Locations

Administrator Policies: If the 'Add new location' button is greyed out or unavailable, your IT administrator may have restricted trusted locations through group policy. You will need to contact your IT department to allow this change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I use a OneDrive web URL as a Trusted Location?

Microsoft Office's Trust Center generally requires local file-system paths (like a drive letter or a local network share) for security and validation. It cannot verify the security status of an HTTP or SharePoint URL in the same way.

Is it safe to trust my entire OneDrive folder?

You should only add folders to Trusted Locations if you completely control the files within them. Any macro inside a trusted location will run automatically without triggering security warnings, which could be risky if you store downloaded files from untrusted sources in that same folder.

How do I find my local OneDrive sync path?

Open Windows File Explorer, locate the OneDrive icon in the left navigation pane, right-click the folder, and select 'Properties'. The 'Location' tab will display the exact local path on your hard drive.

What if the option to add a Trusted Location is disabled?

If the 'Add new location' button is disabled or greyed out, your computer is likely managed by an organization. You will need to contact your IT administrator to update the Group Policy settings to allow the addition of new trusted locations.

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