For a workbook you trust, keep Excel’s macro warning enabled and approve that workbook when prompted. On Windows, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings; on Mac, use Excel > Preferences > Security. You can view and edit a workbook without enabling its macros.
Before you enable macros
Macros automate tasks in a workbook, but they can also run harmful code. Microsoft warns: “Never enable macros in a Microsoft 365 file unless you’re sure you know what those macros do and you want the functionality they provide.” If you only need the spreadsheet’s data or formulas, leave macros disabled.
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When a workbook from a source you trust opens with a security warning, use Enable Content and confirm the trust prompt if you want its macros to run. This is a per-workbook decision. Avoid enabling all macros just to get one file working.
Enable macros in Excel for Windows
Set the macro security option
- In Excel, select File > Options.
- Choose Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
- Open Macro Settings, choose an option, and select OK.
If the Developer tab is already visible, Developer > Macro Security opens the same settings. To show that tab, choose File > Options > Customize Ribbon, check Developer, and select OK.
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Choose the appropriate setting
| Setting | What it does | When it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Disable all macros without notification | Blocks macros and does not show a macro warning. | When macros should not run and you do not need prompts. |
| Disable all macros with notification | Blocks macros by default and lets you respond to a warning for a workbook. | Microsoft describes notification as the case-by-case default in its Excel guidance; it is the practical choice for deciding per file. |
| Disable all macros except digitally signed macros | Allows signed macros from trusted publishers while disabling unsigned macros. | When you rely on a publisher whose signature you trust. A signature identifies the signer and indicates the file or project has not changed since signing; it does not prove the macro is harmless. |
| Enable all macros | Allows macros to run without the usual blocking safeguard. | Microsoft marks this option as not recommended because potentially dangerous code can run. |
For option definitions and Windows steps, see Microsoft’s macro security settings guide.
Enable macros in Excel for Mac
Excel for Mac uses its own preferences path, not Windows’ File and Options menus:
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- Select Excel > Preferences.
- Choose Security.
- Select Disable all macros with notification, Disable all macros without notification, or Enable all macros, as appropriate.
Microsoft says notification is the default and warns that allowing all macros runs both safe and harmful macros without further warning. These instructions apply to Microsoft 365 for Mac, Excel 2024 for Mac, and Excel 2021 for Mac. See Microsoft’s Mac macro settings instructions.
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To run a macro from Excel’s list, select Developer > Macros, choose the macro, and select Run. If Developer is not visible, enable it through Windows Ribbon customization or, on Mac, Excel > Preferences > Ribbon & Toolbar. The Developer tab is a way to access and run macros; it does not change macro security by itself. Microsoft also documents assigning macros to shortcuts or controls. See Microsoft’s guide to running macros.
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If Excel still blocks the workbook
The file came from the internet
Some internet-origin workbooks may be blocked by policy outside the normal Trust Center notification flow. Do not assume changing the general macro setting will clear that block; consult your organization’s IT administrator or Microsoft’s guidance on macros from the internet being blocked by default in Office for applicable steps.
The setting is unavailable or locked
Trust Center settings apply to Excel rather than every Office app. An organization administrator can also prevent users from changing them. If the control is unavailable or changes do not take effect on a managed device, ask your IT administrator rather than trying to bypass the policy.
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The workbook uses Excel 4.0 macros
Excel 4.0 (XLM) macros are distinct from VBA macros. Microsoft documents a separate option for allowing XLM macros when VBA macros are enabled; if that checkbox is not selected, XLM macros remain disabled without notification. Do not assume a VBA setting enables every macro type.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYou are considering a trusted location
Files in a trusted location are not checked by Trust Center. Use such locations only when you understand that this extends trust to files placed there; for a single known workbook, the notification and per-workbook trust workflow is narrower.
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What to do in brief
- For one known workbook, keep notifications on and approve that file only if you trust its source and need its macros.
- On Windows, use File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings; on Mac, use Excel > Preferences > Security.
- Leave macros disabled if you only need to view or edit the workbook.
- Do not treat a digital signature as a safety guarantee, or enable all macros as a routine fix.
For Microsoft’s full guidance, see Enable or disable macros in Microsoft 365 files.
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