Security Policy Errors

How to Stop Excel Security Warnings After Adding an Erlang Function

Steve K Oct 12, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent Excel from displaying recurring security warnings after inserting a custom Erlang function or other active content into a workbook.

How to Stop Excel Security Warnings After Adding an Erlang Function

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening a local workbook that contains custom macros or Erlang functions, which triggers Excel's default active content blocking.
Observed behavior: Excel persistently displays security warnings that block the custom functions or active content from running automatically.

Before you start

Verify that the workbook containing the Erlang function is from a safe and reliable source, as bypassing security warnings for unknown files can expose your system to malicious code.

Solution 1Recommended

Add a Trusted Location in Excel Trust Center

By designating a specific folder on your computer as a Trusted Location, Excel will automatically trust and open any workbooks placed there without triggering security warnings for custom functions or macros.

This method is intended primarily for local workbooks. Once a folder is designated as trusted, all active content, including Erlang functions and VBA macros within that folder, will run seamlessly.

Open Excel Options

Launch Microsoft Excel, click on 'File' in the top left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Navigate to Trust Center Settings

In the Excel Options window, click on 'Trust Center' in the left pane, then click the 'Trust Center Settings...' button on the right.

Add a New Trusted Location

Select 'Trusted Locations' from the left menu. Click the 'Add new location...' button near the bottom of the window.

Browse and Confirm the Folder

Click 'Browse' to select the folder where you save the workbooks containing your Erlang functions. Once selected, click 'OK' to confirm, and move your local workbook into this trusted folder.

Add a Trusted Location in Excel Trust Center

Internet Macros Blocked: If you downloaded the file from the internet, Microsoft's 'Mark of the Web' security policy might still block it. Ensure you unblock the file in its Windows Properties before placing it in the Trusted Location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel block my custom Erlang functions by default?

Excel's default security architecture is designed to protect your system from potentially malicious code. It treats custom functions, macros, and external add-ins as active content and blocks them until you explicitly confirm they are safe.

Can I disable macro security warnings for all files?

While it is technically possible to choose 'Enable all macros' in the Trust Center settings, it is highly discouraged. Doing so makes your computer extremely vulnerable to harmful scripts. Setting up specific Trusted Locations is the safest approach.

What should I do if the 'Trusted Locations' option is missing or greyed out?

If you cannot access or modify Trusted Locations, your organization's IT administrator has likely restricted this feature using Group Policy. You will need to contact your IT support team to have your desired folder whitelisted.

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