How to unblock and enable macros in Excel
(Based on Microsoft Excel 365)
(Based on Microsoft Excel 365)
Majority of spreadsheets on this website contain macros. Especially the Single-User licensed spreadsheets which use macros for licensing purposes, i.e. obtaining the computer's Identification Number and activating the spreadsheet with an Activation Key. These spreadsheets do not contain harmful macros, therefore are safe to use.
When downloading spreadsheets containing macros from the Internet, there are a few extra steps required before these can be used. The level of protection is similar to installing new software in Windows, where the screen dims and a User Account Control message pops up, allowing the user to make a conscious decision whether to allow the software to run. Similarly with Excel spreadsheets, it is all about making a conscious decision whether to allow the spreadsheet to run.
STEP 1-1: ENABLE EDITING
This step can be skipped as editing will be automatically enabled with the next step. However, it will be useful for spreadsheets that do not contain macros.
Since you have downloaded this spreadsheet from the Internet, the first time you open it, you will see a Message Bar about Protected View. Click the Enable Editing button as shown below:
When downloading spreadsheets containing macros from the Internet, there are a few extra steps required before these can be used. The level of protection is similar to installing new software in Windows, where the screen dims and a User Account Control message pops up, allowing the user to make a conscious decision whether to allow the software to run. Similarly with Excel spreadsheets, it is all about making a conscious decision whether to allow the spreadsheet to run.
STEP 1-1: ENABLE EDITING
This step can be skipped as editing will be automatically enabled with the next step. However, it will be useful for spreadsheets that do not contain macros.
Since you have downloaded this spreadsheet from the Internet, the first time you open it, you will see a Message Bar about Protected View. Click the Enable Editing button as shown below:
STEP 1-2: UNBLOCK MACROS
Any spreadsheets containing macros that are downloaded from the Internet will display the Security message, as shown below. This includes digitally signed spreadsheets. To learn more about why Microsoft introduced this security measure and the different ways to unblock macros, click the message. A hyperlink to the referenced Microsoft webpage is included below for your convenience:
support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/a-potentially-dangerous-macro-has-been-blocked-0952faa0-37e7-4316-b61d-5b5ed6024216
To unblock macros, first close the spreadsheet. Then, locate the spreadsheet in Windows File Explorer and right-click it. Next, choose Properties from the context menu, as shown below. In the General tab, tick the Unblock checkbox and click OK button. Now, open the spreadsheet. Macros will be unblocked and enable, and you will no longer see the Security message. Furthermore you will skip the Protected View. However, Excel will ask you to enable macros again if you move the file or change its name. See step 1-3 below.
To unblock macros, first close the spreadsheet. Then, locate the spreadsheet in Windows File Explorer and right-click it. Next, choose Properties from the context menu, as shown below. In the General tab, tick the Unblock checkbox and click OK button. Now, open the spreadsheet. Macros will be unblocked and enable, and you will no longer see the Security message. Furthermore you will skip the Protected View. However, Excel will ask you to enable macros again if you move the file or change its name. See step 1-3 below.
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STEP 1-3: ENABLE MACROS
This step will be skipped automatically when you unblock macros in step 1-2. However, it will be useful if you move the file or change its name.
You can enable macros temporarily by clicking Enable Content as shown below. This is the easiest and safest option. But you will have to click this button each time you re-open spreadsheets with macros.
STEP 1-3: ENABLE MACROS
This step will be skipped automatically when you unblock macros in step 1-2. However, it will be useful if you move the file or change its name.
You can enable macros temporarily by clicking Enable Content as shown below. This is the easiest and safest option. But you will have to click this button each time you re-open spreadsheets with macros.
Alternatively, you can enable macros permanently if you only use spreadsheets from trusted sources, like from YourSpreadsheets. Click File > Options > Trust Centre > Trust Centre Settings > Macro Settings > Enable all macros option as shown below. However, it is recommended to use the 'disable VBA macros with notification' option in case you sometimes open spreadsheets from an unknown or untrusted source.
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