How to unblock Excel file

Question

I downloaded an Excel file from a trusted source. It has blocked macros. None of the solutions proposed on MS site work. Please advise.

Answer 1

Hi Jeffery Lowe,

Appreciate your query over the Microsoft Q&A platform.

Follow the next few steps to reactivate the macros in your Excel document:

Unblock the File:

• Right click on the Excel file you downloaded.
• Choose Properties.
• Select Unblock in the General tab.
• Click "Apply" and then "OK."

Adjust Macro Security Settings:

• Launch Excel then navigate to Options from the File menu.
• Select Trust Center from the Excel Options dialogue box.
• Tap on Trust Center Settings.
• For the dialog box labeled Trust Center, proceed to Macro Settings.
• Choose Enable all macros (not suggested: this may allow harmful code to run).
• To finalize the changes, click okay.

Save the File to a Trusted Location:

• Relocate the Excel document to a safe folder in your PC.
• Open Excel then select Options from the file menu.
• Then, click on Trust Center from the Excel Options window.
• Open the Trust Center Settings.
• In the Trust Center dialog box, proceed to Trusted locations.
• Set the folder where you stored the document as a trusted location.

Use Digital Signature:

• If the file is accompanied from a trusted source, request the sender to digitally sign the macro.
• Launch the Excel file and navigate to “File” > “Options.”
• Select “Trust Center” from the sections available on the left.
• Click on the icon that reads “Trust Center Settings.” Within the “Trust Center” dialog box window, select “Trusted Publishers.”
• Then, include the e-mailer's digital signature as a trusted publisher.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know in the comments. We’re happy to assist further. 

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