Microsoft has Blocked Macros from Running (2024)

Background

In June 2022, Microsoft began rolling out updates to its Office products on Windows that block VBA macros from running by default. There will no longer be a yellow banner prompting the user to enable macros on the file. Instead, the user will see a red banner with the following message:

The Learn More button takes the user to a support article with more information.

Microsoft is citing security concerns for this change. Since macros with malicious code can be used to gain access to computers, Microsoft has made this change to protect the security of their users.

For an in-depth explanation, see this article Microsoft put together, which contains various ways to overcome this block.

Resolution

There are two main ways to overcome this issue:

Mark an individual file as safe

This method marks a single file as safe and will automatically enable macros in the file. Note that these steps will need to be repeated for each file/assignment you need to access.

1. Save the file to a local hard drive, network share, or cloud share like OneDrive.

2. Open Windows File Explorer and go to the folder where you saved the file.

   See Also

   Setting up the QuickSave Macro & Disabling Protected View

3. Right-click the file and choose Propertiesfrom the context menu.

4. At the bottom of the General tab select the Unblockcheckbox and select OK.

   

Add a Trusted Location to enable macros for all files

The second method to circumvent this restriction is to add a Trusted Location on the computer so all files that contain macros stored in this location will run as normal. As a way to increase security, we recommend adding a folder on the desktop and making it a trusted location so only files you deliberately place in that folder will be allowed to run macros.

1. Click File > Options.

2. Click Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations.

3. Click Add new location.

4. Click Browse to find the folder, select a folder, and then click OK.

A. Any folder will work, but we recommend you either make your Downloads folder a Trusted Location or create a new folder within your Downloads folder so only files you deliberately place there will be allowed to run macros.