Excel blocks macros by default to protect your computer from potentially harmful code. This security feature prevents files with macros from running until you explicitly trust them. You will see a security warning bar when opening a file containing macros. This article explains how to safely store macro files in a trusted location so they run automatically.
Key Takeaways: Enabling Macros via Trusted Locations
- File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings: Opens the security dialog where you manage trusted locations and macro settings.
- Add new location button: Lets you specify any folder on your PC or network as a safe place for macro files.
- Enable all macros setting: A less secure alternative that allows macros from any file after clicking a warning prompt.
Why Excel Blocks Macros and How Trusted Locations Work
Excel’s macro security is part of the Trust Center. It is designed to stop malicious code from running without your knowledge. When you open a workbook with macros, Excel checks the file’s origin against its security rules. Files from the internet or untrusted folders trigger a yellow security warning bar.
A trusted location is a folder on your computer or network that you mark as safe. Any workbook stored in this folder can run its macros without showing security warnings. This is the most secure way to enable trusted macros because it does not lower your global security settings. You should only add folders that you control and that contain files from verified sources.
Macro Security Levels Explained
The Trust Center offers several macro settings. The default is “Disable all macros with notification.” This shows the security warning bar. The “Enable all macros” setting is not recommended as it makes your PC vulnerable. Using a trusted location is the preferred method. It provides safety for your general files while allowing specific, trusted macros to run seamlessly.
Steps to Create a Trusted Location for Macros
Follow these steps to add a new folder where macros will be enabled automatically.
- Open Excel Trust Center Settings
In Excel, click File > Options. In the Excel Options window, select Trust Center from the left pane. Then click the Trust Center Settings button on the right. - Navigate to Trusted Locations
In the Trust Center dialog box, select Trusted Locations from the left-side list. This shows all currently trusted folders, including default ones for your user profile. - Add a New Folder
Click the Add new location button. In the new window, click Browse to select a folder on your computer. You can also check the box for “Subfolders of this location are also trusted” if needed. Click OK to add the location. - Save Your Macro Files
Close all dialog boxes by clicking OK. Move or save your macro-enabled workbook file with the .xlsm extension into the newly trusted folder. When you open the file from this location, macros will run without any security warnings.
Alternative Method: Enable Macros for a Single Session
If you cannot use a trusted location, you can enable macros for one file at a time. This method is for occasional use with files you temporarily trust.
- Open the File and View the Warning
Open the macro-enabled workbook. A yellow security warning bar will appear below the ribbon with a message that macros have been disabled. - Click Enable Content
Click the Enable Content button on the security warning bar. For this session, Excel will treat the file as trusted and run its macros. This setting may be remembered for that specific file depending on your Trust Center settings.
Common Mistakes and Security Considerations
Macros Are Still Disabled After Moving File
If macros remain blocked after moving a file to a trusted location, ensure the file has the correct .xlsm extension. Also, close and reopen the workbook from the new location. Excel only applies the trusted location rule when the file is opened from that path. If the problem continues, verify the trusted location was added correctly in the Trust Center list.
Security Warning for Files from the Internet
Files downloaded from the internet or email have a Mark of the Web. This blocks macros even in a trusted location. To fix this, right-click the file in File Explorer, select Properties, and check the Unblock box at the bottom of the General tab. Then move the unblocked file into your trusted folder.
Cannot Add a Network Drive as Trusted Location
By default, Excel does not allow adding network paths for security. To enable this, you must check the “Allow trusted locations on my network” box in the Trusted Locations settings window. Be aware that trusting a network folder shared by others can be a security risk if you do not control all files placed there.
Trusted Location vs. Enable All Macros: Key Differences
| Item | Trusted Location Method | Enable All Macros Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Security Level | High. Only files in specific safe folders run macros | Low. All files can run macros after a one-time prompt |
| User Prompts | No warnings for files in the trusted folder | Shows a security warning for each new untrusted file |
| Best Use Case | For regularly used, internally developed macro files | Not recommended for regular use due to high risk |
| Configuration | Set up once per folder in Trust Center settings | Global setting changed in Macro Settings |
| File Origin | Any file placed in the folder is trusted | Trust decision is per file or session |
You can now safely run your trusted macros by saving files to a designated folder. For temporary files, use the Enable Content button on the security warning bar. An advanced tip is to create a trusted location on a OneDrive or SharePoint path to sync your safe macro files across devices.