The following sections explain the different ways in which you can enable macros in Excel and the most important aspects of macro security settings you'll need to understand in order to be reasonably protected from macro viruses. Let's assume, that you want to enable macros in Excel because you want to start creating macros now. This way you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of macros while minimizing the risk of having your computer infected with dangerous VBA code. Therefore, you want to understand what you're doing when enabling macros.
Walkenbach goes on to explain that:Ī macro can delete files, send information to other computers, and even destroy Windows so that you can't even start your system. The reason for this, as explained by Excel authority John Walkenbach in Excel VBA Programming for Dummies is that VBA is a very powerful language. Nowadays, macro security is very important. Under the current setting macros are, by default, not enabled. As explained in Excel 2013 VBA and Macros by Excel experts Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad, Microsoft changed the default security settings of the Microsoft Office applications. What do you think was the consequence of this? Certain large corporations (including Microsoft itself) were affected. This was a macro virus that propagated via a Word document sent as an email attachment.
I'm referring to the Melissa virus, also known by other names such as Kwyjibo. I also like the Simpsons and would've enjoyed writing about them. In case you're a Simpsons fan and are wondering whether I'm referring to Homer Simpson… Once upon a time, Excel (along with the other Microsoft Office applications) enabled macros by default. This may sound like ancient history to most of you, but:
The first question you may have is… Why Are Excel Macros Not Enabled By Default? They don't apply to other Microsoft Office applications. Any changes that you make to the macro security settings in Excel are only applicable to Excel.If this is the case, get in touch with this administrator. As explained by Microsoft, you're not able to change the macro security settings if an administrator in your organization has changed the default settings with the purpose of preventing modifications.Under which circumstances can macros run.You can generally modify the macro security settings of Excel to determine what happens when you open an Excel workbook by determining: This is the reason why, if you open an Excel workbook that contains macros, you may see a message warning you that “macros have been disabled”. Therefore, let's start by understanding… Excel's Default Macro Security Setting: Disable Macros With NotificationĮxcel's default setting is to disable all macros with a notification. I assume that, if you're reading this Excel tutorial, the version of Excel you're working on still has its default settings. Books Referenced In This Excel Tutorial.Step #3: Select “Enable content for this session” And Click The OK Button.Step #2: Click On The Enable Content Button And Select Advanced Options.When To Use And When Not To Use Trusted Locations.Step #6: Set Whether You Want To Trust Subfolders Of The Selected Location.Step #5: Select The Folder You Want To Add As A Trusted Location.Step #3: Click The Add New Location Button.Step #2: Set Whether You Want To Allow Trusted Locations On Network.Step #1: Access The Trusted Locations Tab In The Trust Center.
How to Enable Macros For Certain Excel Files.Step #2: Select The Macro Setting You Want To Enable.How To Change Your Global Macro Security Settings In Order To, Among Others, Enable Macros In Excel By Default.Why Are Excel Macros Not Enabled By Default?.Excel's Default Macro Security Setting: Disable Macros With Notification.More precisely, in this Excel tutorial we'll cover the following topics: This way, when Excel displays a dialog saying that macros have been disabled and you need to enable macros, you'll know exactly what to do. My purpose with this tutorial is to answer the questions above and explain to you the most important things you need to know regarding how (and when) to enable macros in Excel.
However, since I know that I'm not the first (or last) one to raise those questions, I decided to write this post. Otherwise, I wouldn't be writing this Excel tutorial now. Needless to say, I eventually learned how to enable macros in Excel. Did I disable macros in Excel by mistake?.What does it mean that macros have been disabled?.What security settings is this message referring to?.The first time I saw such a message in Excel, several questions popped immediately in my head: I found a new macro that promised to automate a particularly annoying task, save me a ton of time and make me significantly more efficient in Excel.