How to Enable Macros in Excel

Learning how to enable macros is relatively easy, and in this article, we will show you how to enable macros in Excel, since they are disabled by default.

The versatility and huge number of features of Microsoft Excel make it one of the most complex software programs to master.

What are macros in Excel?

A Excel Macros is a small program created in Excel that allows you to automate everyday tasks. It is a valuable tool in Excel that allows you to execute complicated instructions with a simple command. Macros are a huge time saver: you can create macros that can do almost anything you want in Excel and other Microsoft Office software.

For example, macros allow you to insert your company letterhead into an existing document in Word or add formatted tables to a spreadsheet in Excel, all with a single command. When you create a macro, you are recording mouse clicks and keystrokes. Using this feature, you can run a program to automate repetitive tasks.

The Benefits of Using Macros in Excel

Using macros in Excel provides the following benefits to users.

Save time and effort

This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of using macros in Excel. Because you can automate repetitive tasks, you can save time for yourself. You can then use the extra time you have to handle other crucial tasks and responsibilities. But macro automation does more than just help you save time; it also helps you manage complex or tedious processes.

For example, if you have an Excel spreadsheet with data, you can create a macro that searches through all the data, compiles the essential information, and sends a copy to an email address. Or imagine that you typically create a monthly report for your accounting manager. So instead of spending time and energy reviewing the data, formatting customer names, and identifying delinquent or overpaying customers, you can create a macro that does it all in a matter of minutes.

It helps you reduce errors

Spending long hours manually entering data into a spreadsheet can be exhausting and tedious. Once you become exhausted and bored, it won’t be long before you start making mistakes. When you use automated macros, you will be able to avoid or reduce errors that can occur due to human effort.

It's easy to set up macros in Excel

You don't have to be a programming expert before you can use macros in Excel. So, regardless of your profession, you can use macros to a reasonable extent by following the steps we offer in this guide.

The Danger of Using Macros in Excel

Although they used to be a default feature of Excel, macros can cause some problems. For example, some people have used this powerful tool to create macro viruses, which can cause harmful results. Several websites offer free macros that you can download to save time. Although they are attractive, we strongly recommend that you avoid them. If you are not a technical user or are not sure what a macro will do, you should avoid downloading or checking its contents. Because of these dangers, Microsoft disables macros by default. So, while you can still use macros, you will need to enable them. With that in mind, let's now look at how to enable macros in Excel.

How to Enable Macros in Excel

Enabling macros is one of the easiest things to do in Excel. Here's how to do it.

1. Click on File and then on Options.
2. This brings you to the window Excel Options. On this page, click on Protection Center in the lower left sidebar.

After clicking on Protection Center, a new window opens. Click on Trust Center Settings.

3. In the window of the Protection Center click on Macro Settings in the left sidebar.

To enable macros, select the checkbox next to Enable all macros.

Then click OK at the bottom of the page to save the new settings. And with that, you have enabled macros in Excel. Keep in mind that following the steps above will ensure that all spreadsheets in Excel run macros.

You should only do this if you can afford the risk of macro viruses. What if you want to enable only one macro in Excel and not all macros? Then the following section will show you how.

How to enable a single macro in an Excel file

You can easily enable the spreadsheet without jumping through hoops if the spreadsheet has a macro. Here's how.

1. Open the file containing the macro.
2. Due to Excel settings, macros are automatically disabled. If you open a spreadsheet with macros, you will see a yellow bar of the security warning message indicating that macros have been disabled.
3. To enable macros, just click Enable Content.

How to Enable Macros in a Single Excel File

Since March 2023, Microsoft has changed the default behavior of Office applications to block macros in files downloaded from the Internet. Therefore, when users open a file that contains macros, they receive the security warning message.

However, you can enable macros by changing the properties of the file that contains them. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to the file location of the Excel file.
2. Right click and select Property.
3. Select the Unlock check box at the bottom of the General tab in Property, then select OK.

You don't have to be an accountant before you know how to use Excel. The steps we've listed above will help beginners learn how to enable macros in Excel. Whether you want to work faster or improve your productivity, Excel has features like macros to help you.

Published in Excel