How to enable macros in Excel

To enable macros in Excel, you need to adjust your security settings. Macros are often disabled by default for security reasons because they can potentially contain harmful code. Here’s how you can enable macros:

Excel 2016, 2019, Microsoft 365:

1. Open Excel:
   • Launch Microsoft Excel and open the workbook containing the macros.
2. Go to the “File” Tab:
   • Click on the “File” tab in the ribbon to access the File menu.
3. Select Options:
   • In the File menu, select “Options” at the bottom. This opens the Excel Options dialog box.
4. Navigate to Trust Center:
   • In the Excel Options dialog box, click on “Trust Center” in the left sidebar.
5. Click Trust Center Settings:
   • Click on the “Trust Center Settings…” button in the Trust Center section.
6. Go to Macro Settings:
   • In the Trust Center, select “Macro Settings” in the left sidebar.
7. Choose Macro Setting:
   • In the Macro Settings section, choose the desired option. Typically, you’ll select “Enable all macros” or “Disable all macros with notification” if you want to be prompted to enable macros each time you open a workbook.
8. Click OK:
   • Click “OK” to apply the changes and close the Trust Center.
9. Restart Excel:
   • Close and restart Excel for the changes to take effect.

Excel 2013 and Earlier:

1. Open Excel:
   • Launch Microsoft Excel and open the workbook containing the macros.
2. Go to the “File” Tab:
   • Click on the “File” tab in the ribbon.
3. Select Options:
   • In the File menu, select “Options.” This opens the Excel Options dialog box.
4. Navigate to Trust Center:
   • In the Excel Options dialog box, click on “Trust Center” in the left sidebar.
5. Click Trust Center Settings:
   • Click on the “Trust Center Settings…” button in the Trust Center section.
6. Go to Macro Settings:
   • In the Trust Center, select “Macro Settings” in the left sidebar.
7. Choose Macro Setting:
   • In the Macro Settings section, choose the desired option. Typically, you’ll select “Enable all macros” or “Disable all macros with notification” if you want to be prompted to enable macros each time you open a workbook.
8. Click OK:
   • Click “OK” to apply the changes and close the Trust Center.
9. Restart Excel:
   • Close and restart Excel for the changes to take effect.

Note:

• Be Cautious:
  • Enabling macros can pose a security risk, especially if you’re working with files from untrusted sources. Always be cautious and only enable macros in files you trust.

By following these steps, you should be able to enable macros in Excel based on the version you are using.