Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
In a Windows desktop Office app, open File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Message Bar, select Never show information about blocked content, then select OK twice. This hides the Message Bar notification; it does not enable macros, ActiveX, external connections, or bypass Protected View.
What the Office security warning bar means
The yellow or red Message Bar appears when Office blocks potentially unsafe or sensitive content. Depending on the file, it may mention Enable Content, Macros have been disabled, External Content Disabled, ActiveX, linked media, or a policy notice. These are related warnings, but they are not controlled by one universal switch. Microsoft explains the Message Bar and its controls in its Message Bar guidance.
Hiding the bar only removes the notification. The blocked feature can remain blocked, and suppressing the warning can make a genuine malicious-file or data-exfiltration warning easier to miss.
Disable the Message Bar in Windows desktop Office
- Open Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, or another installed Office desktop program.
- Select File, then Options.
- Open Trust Center and select Trust Center Settings.
- Select Message Bar.
- Choose Never show information about blocked content.
- Select OK, then OK again.
New blocked-content notices should no longer appear in the Message Bar for that Office installation and user profile, unless an administrator policy or a different security mechanism takes precedence. Microsoft specifically notes that this option does not remove the bar associated with Protected View.
#1 Best Overall
- Tamper-Resistant Commercial Signs: Premium aluminum construction resists scratching and fading, perfect for high-traffic offices, restaurants and medical facilities.
- Easy-Install Office Door Signs: Premium aluminum construction resists scratching and fading, perfect for high-traffic offices, restaurants and medical facilities.
- Stylish & Weatherproof Signs: Modern brushed aluminum finish with UV-resistant, waterproof and anti-oxidation properties for long-lasting indoor/outdoor use.
- Braille Exit Signs (ADA Compliant): Features Grade 2 Braille and high-contrast lettering meeting all accessibility requirements.
- Inspection-Guaranteed Business Signs: Compliant raised tactile lettering and Braille ensure easy approval for offices, schools and healthcare facilities.
Restore the warnings
Return to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Message Bar and select Show the Message Bar in all applications when active content, such as ActiveX controls and macros, has been blocked. Confirm with OK twice.
If the warning is about macros
Do not choose Enable all macros merely to remove a warning. Macro settings control whether VBA runs, whereas the Message Bar setting controls whether the notification is shown. In the affected application, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings. Common choices are:
- Disable all macros with notification: macros remain blocked, but you can decide per file.
- Disable all macros without notification: macros remain blocked and the prompt is suppressed, which can make failed automation easy to overlook.
- Disable all macros except digitally signed macros: unsigned macros are blocked while trusted signed ones may run.
- Enable all macros: substantially weakens protection and is not recommended for normal use.
Macro settings are generally application-specific; changing them in Excel does not automatically change Word or PowerPoint. Labels can vary slightly by Office version. See Microsoft’s macro documentation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- HIGH-VISIBILITY SECURITY WARNING – Bold “WARNING – POLICE DISPATCH ALERT – SECURITY SYSTEM” text instantly alerts intruders that the premises are protected, reducing break-ins and unauthorized access.
- DURABLE WATERPROOF VINYL – Made from premium waterproof, fade-resistant vinyl that withstands rain, heat, UV exposure, and daily outdoor conditions without peeling or cracking.
- STRONG ADHESIVE BACKING – Easy to apply on doors, windows, gates, mailboxes, and walls. The strong adhesive ensures long-lasting hold on smooth, clean surfaces.
- COMPACT & EFFECTIVE SIZE (2.4” x 2.8”) – Designed to be clearly visible without taking up too much space. Perfect for homes, offices, garages, stores, warehouses, and rental properties
- PACK OF 3 VALUE SET – Includes 3 high-quality security alarm stickers, giving you complete coverage for multiple entry points.
Prefer a targeted trust decision for one known-safe file
If one workbook, document, or presentation is maintained by a source you genuinely trust, open it and select Enable Content when offered. Office can remember that choice as a trusted document, so that file is less likely to prompt again. Trusted documents can contain macros, ActiveX controls, and data connections, so verify the source and contents first. Microsoft describes this feature in its trusted documents guidance.
This is narrower than disabling every Message Bar warning. Trust can also be requested again if the file is moved or substantially changed.
Use a trusted location for a controlled folder
For a recurring collection of internally maintained files, create a dedicated folder through File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations > Add new location. Files in a trusted location can bypass normal Trust Center checks and, in some circumstances, Protected View.
Rank #3
- 12 x Security Alarm Warning Sign Stickers
- Text "Warning - Protected by electronic alarm system"
- Best visibility with 100% contrasted colors (black and white)
- Weatherproof and UV resistent. For internal and external use.
- Dimensions: 4,1 x 1,4 inches (10,5 x 3,5 cm)
- Use a local folder controlled by you or your organization.
- Do not designate Downloads as trusted.
- Avoid broad network or shared-folder trust unless IT has designed and secured it.
- Remember that every file placed there receives the elevated trust, not just the file that prompted you.
- Remove the location when the workflow ends.
Microsoft’s trusted-location guidance cautions particularly against network locations in security baselines.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhen the warning says Protected View
Protected View is a read-only boundary commonly used for files downloaded from the internet, received as email attachments, opened from unsafe locations, or flagged by file validation. The Message Bar preference above does not disable it. If you know the file is safe, Enable Editing may exit Protected View, but doing so removes that protection for the file. A document can show both a Protected View notice and a separate macro or external-content warning; resolving one does not resolve the other.
External content and ActiveX use separate controls
External content in Excel
For warnings about workbook links, data connections, linked images or media, templates, or web beacons, open File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > External Content. Choose prompting or blocking deliberately. Enabling all external content globally can allow an unfamiliar workbook to retrieve data or load harmful material. Trusting one verified workbook or a controlled location is usually safer. Microsoft’s details are in Block or unblock external content.
Rank #4
- 🔥➀【MATERIAL】Tin and metal. Color: as shown.
- 🔥➁【PERFECT SIZE】(LxWxH)30x20X0.13cm/8x12x0.08 inches . Hole diameter: about 0.3 cm/0.12 inch.
- 🔥➂【ADVANTAGES】Waterproof, anti-glare, easy to clean and not fade. -Creative, simple and stylish design. Pre-drilled holes for easy suspension, ideal for multiple uses
- 🔥➃【WE ARE AN SPECIALIZING IN DESIGNING SIGNS/WALL DECORATION】Wonderful works that can be hung in houses, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, bar posters, clubs, cinemas, workshops, garages, kitchens, shops, yards, restaurants,roads, public places or homes.Festival gifts.
- 🔥➄【QUALITY SERVICE】If you have any questions, please send an email to contact us and we are always at your service!100% satisfactory service!If you need to customize, please send an email to contact us!
ActiveX controls
For ActiveX warnings, use File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > ActiveX Settings, or enable the controls for a single session from the bar when the source is reliable. Unlike macro settings, ActiveX settings can apply across Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Visio. See Microsoft’s ActiveX guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Downloaded files and the red “Security Risk” notice
Current Windows Microsoft 365 Apps block macros from files identified as coming from the internet by default. A downloaded or emailed .docm, .xlsm, or .pptm file may therefore show a red Security Risk notice instead of a yellow Enable Content prompt. Hiding the Message Bar does not necessarily allow those macros to run. See Microsoft’s internet-macro blocking documentation.
Recommended Free Tools
Check the file’s origin, Protected View status, and your organization’s policy. Do not routinely disable Defender, SmartScreen, or Windows attachment protections.
Best Value
- 3M AUTHORIZED. Official 3M reflective films and inks on durable, rustproof aluminum ensure that our signs meet all DOT requirements for outdoor parking and traffic signs. Hi Intensity Reflective Aluminum is 3x more reflective than Engineer Grade.
- DURABLE ALUMINUM. Heavy-duty rustproof aluminum has a 10+ year outdoor durability rating backed by a 3M warranty.
- LAMINATED. Graphics are protected from weather and abuse. Graffiti can be cleaned off. Laminated signs outlast competitive unlaminated or overcoated signs.
- INSTALLATION. All signs come with pre-punched and pre-cleared mounting holes for easy installation. Signs have rounded, burr-free corners for safe handling. Signs mount to U-channel posts, square or round galvanized posts, wooden posts and chain link fences.
- SECURITY ALARM SIGNS. Post this Security Alarm Connected To Police Department sign to reduce crime and build awareness.
Quick diagnosis
| What you see | Where to look | What the change does |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked-content Message Bar | Trust Center > Message Bar | Hides the notification only |
| Macros have been disabled | Macro Settings, trusted document, or trusted location | Controls VBA trust and execution |
| Security Risk: Microsoft has blocked macros | Internet origin, file trust, or organization policy | May require an approved trusted workflow |
| Protected View | File origin and Protected View controls | Controls the read-only security boundary |
| External Content Disabled | Excel Trust Center > External Content | Controls links and external connections |
| ActiveX warning | Trust Center > ActiveX Settings | Controls ActiveX behavior across supported Office apps |
If the option is missing or the warning remains
If Never show information about blocked content is unavailable or greyed out, you may be using Office for the web, macOS, a managed work or school installation, or a different warning source such as Windows Attachment Manager or Microsoft Defender. Organization policies can prevent Trust Center changes or reset them automatically. Contact IT rather than applying registry edits or disabling security software.
Also confirm that you changed the setting in a Windows desktop app and identify the exact wording and color of the warning. Office 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Microsoft 365 generally use the Trust Center approach, but labels can vary by application and release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hiding the Office Message Bar enable macros?
No. It suppresses blocked-content information; macros, ActiveX, external links, and Protected View remain governed by their own controls.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Why do I still see a warning after disabling the Message Bar?
The notice may be Protected View, internet-macro blocking, an external-content or ActiveX prompt, a Windows security warning, or an administrator policy.
The Bottom Line
Use Message Bar > Never show information about blocked content only when you understand that it hides warnings rather than making files safe. For routine trusted work, prefer a trusted document or a tightly controlled trusted location, and diagnose Protected View, macros, external content, and ActiveX separately.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
