Excel - Security Risk Microsoft Has Blocked Macros From Running - Episode 2485

Microsoft Excel Tutorial - Security Risk Microsoft Has Blocked Macros From Running.

Welcome to the MrExcel Podcast, where we bring you the latest tips and tricks for mastering Microsoft Excel. In this episode, we'll be discussing a new security risk that has been causing frustration for many Excel users. If you've recently seen a pink bar with the message "Security risk - Microsoft has blocked macros from running," then this video is for you.

Recently, Kevin Lehrbass, a fellow Excel enthusiast, shared a new Wordle game that he had created on his blog. Excited to try it out, I downloaded the file and attempted to open it, only to be met with the dreaded pink bar. This is a new security measure that Microsoft has implemented, which blocks macros from running if the file is downloaded from the web or received via email. This is their way of protecting users from potential malicious code.

So, what can you do if you encounter this pink bar? First, take a look at the code by pressing Alt+F11. If the code is unlocked and you can see it, check for any potential dangers. Next, consider the source of the file. Do you know the person who sent it to you? Is there a valid reason for them to be sending you macros? In the case of Kevin's Wordle game, there was a clear reason for him to be sending it to me, so I knew it was safe to proceed.

To unblock the file and enable the macros, simply right-click on the file in Windows Explorer and go to Properties. At the bottom, you'll see a section called "Security" with a checkbox for "Unblock." Check this box and click OK. Now, when you open the file again, you'll see the familiar yellow bar asking if you want to enable content. This extra step with the pink bar is Microsoft's way of making it more difficult for bad actors to use VBA to cause problems.

It's unfortunate that this new security measure has made it more difficult for us to use VBA, which is one of the reasons why Excel is superior to Google Sheets. But don't worry, with a simple click of a button, you can unblock the file and continue using macros as usual. And for those of you who love playing Wordle, be sure to check out Kevin's blog post for his amazing Excel version of the game. As always, thank you for tuning in to the MrExcel Podcast. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more Excel tips and tricks. And feel free to leave any questions or comments down below. See you next time!

#excel #microsoft #microsoftexcel #exceltutorial #exceltips #exceltricks #excelmvp #freeclass #freecourse #freeclasses #excelclasses #microsoftmvp #walkthrough #evergreen #spreadsheetskills #analytics #analysis #dataanalysis #dataanalytics #mrexcel #spreadsheets #spreadsheet #excelhelp #accounting #tutorial

A new pink bar warning is appearing in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint telling you that there is a security risk and that your VBA macros have been blocked.
This warning is designed to make you ask, "Is there a valid reason for this person to be sending me a macro?" If there is, I will show you the easy steps to unblock the workbook.
This is called the Mark of the Web.

Table of Contents
(0:00) Kevin Lehrbass has a Wordle game in Excel but the macros are blocked with the pink bar.
(1:08) Look at the code
(1:33) How to unblock the macros
(2:10) Dealing with the normal yellow bar.
(2:20) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

#excel #microsoft #microsoftexcel #exceltutorial #exceltips #exceltricks #excelmvp #freeclass #freecourse #freeclasses #excelclasses #microsoftmvp #walkthrough #evergreen #spreadsheetskills #analytics #analysis #dataanalysis #dataanalytics #mrexcel #spreadsheets #spreadsheet #excelhelp #accounting #tutorial

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[wirechair]

I wondered why I suddenly wasn’t able to use my little copy paste macro and thought it was just my pc being extra fussy. Thank you for the news and work around sir!

[ganeshs]

i was facing this issue for a long time. had enabled all the trust settings and this was still occurring, thank you for making this video.

[excelisfun]

This makes all files for my Highline classes which my student and I download much more difficult to use... But thanks for the hot tip, though!!!! The IT department at Highline had to change the networking parameters so that we all could use the files without having to right-click each file...

[goldensleeves]

When I right click on the file, my "general" tab does not have that whole "security" section with the option to check the "unblock" box. Why is that and what would my other option be? Thanks so much in advance!

[Huff-Robertson]

Am I the only one that doesn't have that feature on their properties? The properties on mine stop at attributes and there's nothing below it.

[enriquesada]

Thanks for the video. If the unblock checkbox does not appear, check if any other files are referenced, in my case it was a .xlam file, that's the one that had the unblock checkbox.

[shoestringlean]

That option is not available in the Properties Menu for me. I do use Dropbox, but this is a self authored workbook. I've unlocked everything in the trust center as well. I suddenly started getting this red macro warning this week after using this workbook for 10 years. Any Ideas?

[oddarnek]

In windows 11 this option is not available. But I found a workaround, Right Click --> Properties --> Details --> At the bottom, press the . A new popup appears named Remove Properties. I chose the first option, Create a copy with all possible properties removed. This creates a copy of the file with the macros working, but all properties removed, creator and dates etc.

[schoanahmed]

You save my life man, take Love with respect 💕🥰

[gordonclarke]

Here in the UK just had MS 365 sub renewed. Since yesterday I cannot run my personal macros if the workbook is sent from i.e. the web or via email. Clicking on Properties > Security as directed, there is no sign of the 'Unblock' box that ccould be checked so I am left not being able to use excel files not on my local drive(?) Tried Options > Trust Centre > Macros > Enable (not recoommended) to no avail.

[mss]

What if the security option does not show up?

[sudeepsaru]

Thanks A lot Sir ! It really helped me !

[lonelyislander]

i don't have that unblock option.

[prashantrawat]

When I enable content all workbooks disappear.

[mohammadrafiq]

Most of this option might seen security option uncheck box block

[beznick]

What if the file is not accessible through explorer? I have excel file embedded in a SolidWorks part file. Says macros are blocked, because source of the file is not trusted (Im the source). Any idea, please?

[nhatminh]

I right click on the file, choose properties, but I don't see unblocked

[rowielife]

But what do you do when the Unblock option isn't there?

[devyanirathod]

Hey Mr. Excel! I wanted to know if there's any way to remove a slicer option from the slicer displayed on a dashboard (which holds data in it, I just don't want it to be shown as an option on the slicer). So far, haven't found anything helpful.

Love your work, thank you for sharing such amazing videos! You're an inspiration!

[timsampson]

Why do I never see what you see on the properties page even though macros are being blocked in my file? My files are stored in our company's OneDrive and I can't see any way to allow macros.