How to enable macros in Excel?

Macros in Excel are essential for automating repetitive tasks and improving your workflow, especially when working with complex spreadsheets or reporting processes. However, for security reasons, macros are often disabled by default to protect users from malicious code. Knowing how to properly enable macros is crucial to make full use of workbook functionality without unnecessary interruptions. This article provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for various methods to enable macros in Excel, as well as practical tips, precautions, and troubleshooting suggestions related to different situations you may encounter.

Enable macros in Excel in the Message bar
Enable macros in the Backstage view
Enable macros by changing the Trust Center settings
Alternative method: Enable macros for specific files from Properties

Enable macros in Excel in the Message bar

One of the most direct ways to enable macros is through the Message bar that appears when you open a workbook containing macros. This bar is located above the Formula Bar and acts as a security notification whenever macro content is detected.

Upon opening a macro-enabled Excel workbook, look for the yellow Message bar which typically reads: "Security Warning – Macros have been disabled." To allow macros, simply click the Enable Content button on this bar. Once selected, macros in this particular workbook are activated, allowing any automated actions or scripts in the file to run as intended.

Note: This method applies only to the currently opened workbook. If you open other files with macros, you will have to repeat these steps for each file. Always ensure you trust the source of the workbook before enabling macros in this way to minimize security risks.

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Enable macros in the Backstage view

If you accidentally close the Message bar or want to enable macros using a different approach, you can also activate macros in Excel’s Backstage view. This method is recommended when working with Excel files that you access frequently and trust, but want more control over enabling macro content.

1. Click File in the Excel ribbon to enter the Backstage view.
2. Select Info on the left panel.
3. You will see a security warning message with the option to Enable Content. Click this drop-down arrow.
4. From the menu, choose Enable All Content. The macros for this workbook will become active immediately.

This solution is also limited to the workbook currently open. Use it when you regularly need macro functionality in a file you are confident is safe. Remember that, similar to enabling from the Message bar, you must always be cautious to avoid enabling macros in suspicious files.

Troubleshooting tip: If you don't see the Enable Content option, ensure your workbook actually contains macros and hasn't been altered or saved in a non-macro-enabled format (such as .xlsx instead of .xlsm).

Enable macros by changing the Trust Center settings

For users who frequently work with multiple files containing macros or prefer not to be prompted each time, changing Trust Center settings in Excel provides more control. This approach is especially useful for experienced users who manage lots of macro-enabled workbooks and want to streamline their workflow. However, modifying these settings affects all files you open, so consider the security implications carefully.

1. Click File in the main Excel menu, then choose Options at the bottom on the left.

2. In the Excel Options dialog box, go to the left pane and click Trust Center. Then, on the right side, click the Trust Center Settings button under the Microsoft Excel Trust Center section.

3. In the Trust Center dialog, click Macro Settings from the left pane. You will see several options:

• Disable all macros without notification – Macros are disabled and you will not receive warnings.
• Disable all macros with notification – Macros are disabled but you get a security alert (default setting).
• Disable all macros except digitally signed macros – Only digitally signed macros are allowed.
• Enable all macros (not recommended, potentially dangerous code can run) – All macros are enabled without warnings.

To enable all macros, select the Enable all macros option.
Finally, click OK to confirm your choice.

4. You will return to the Excel Options dialog box. Click OK again to apply the new settings.
5. From this point onward, macros will automatically run in all workbooks you open, and you will no longer receive warning messages.

Important safety tip: Enabling all macros increases the risk of running malicious code present in any macro-enabled workbook you open in Excel. It is highly recommended to enable this setting only when you are certain all workbook sources are trustworthy and your files are protected.

If you encounter issues with macros still not running, double-check if your Excel version supports macros and that files are being opened in a trusted location. Additionally, if a network policy is enforced, some settings may be managed by your IT administrator and not changeable manually.

Alternative method: Enable macros for specific files from Properties

In certain scenarios, especially when downloading macro-enabled files (e.g., from email or the internet), you may find that Excel still blocks macros even after using the standard enabling methods. This occurs because Windows tags such files as potentially unsafe. Unblocking the file from its properties can resolve this. This method is convenient when you trust a specific file but want to keep more secure macro settings for other files.

Right-click the macro-enabled file (e.g., .xlsm), select Properties, and under the General tab, check the option Unblock at the bottom (if available). Click Apply and then OK. Reopen the file in Excel, and you should be able to activate macros using the Message bar, Backstage view, or Trust Center settings as described earlier.

This solution only affects the selected file, helping you selectively trust and enable macros as needed. However, always review the content and source before unblocking files to maintain security.

In summary, choosing the right method to enable macros depends on your workflow, trust level of your files, and organizational security policies. When encountering problems, always check file format (should be .xlsm or another macro-enabled type), confirm source safety, verify macro settings, and consult your IT support if settings appear managed or locked down. For users handling macros often, Kutools’ clear interface and management features can further streamline macro operations and settings among files, ensuring you work effectively and securely.