Microsoft Excel Security Issue Disabling Macros

Microsoft Excel Security Issue Disabling Macros

Overview of Microsoft Security Issue

Earlier in 2022, Microsoft added a security measure to Office applications where it blocks Visual Basic for Applications(VBA) macros by default on any files sent via the internet. You cannot prevent the block from happening but you can unblock the file to enable full functionality

What does this mean for any user receiving a file via email or downloading a file from the internet?

This question is answered in relation to Excel files.

If the Excel file you have received contains macros then these macros will be blocked resulting in loss of some functionality within the workbook.

Disabled File

The image below displays the security warning when you open such a file:


Disabled Macros

The file can be unblocked, however if Excel does not have the correct settings to allow macros to be used then Microsoft will display another warning message such as the image below:


Disabled Editing

Another Microsoft protection feature with files received as mail attachments is that which is related to opening a file directly from the email. Such files are opened in protected view which means you cannot edit them until you click the “Enable Editing” button


How to unblock a file

Follow these steps to unblock any excel file you receive on an email message:

1.     DO NOT OPEN THE FILE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL.

2.     Save the attachment to your local hard drive or a network folder

   

3.     Go to windows File Explorer and locate the file you have just saved.

4.     Right click on the file and select Properties

   

5.     Click the Unblock box
  

6.     Click Apply

7.     Click Ok

8.     Now you can open the file within Excel


How to set Microsoft Excel to always Enable Macro

1.     Open Excel

2.     Select File
  

 

3.     Select Options  (located right at the bottom of the file menu)

                 
  

4.     Select Trust Centre
  

5.     Click the Trust Centre Settings box on the right

6.      Select Macro Settings



7.     On the right click on “Enable VBA macros……..”

8.     Click Ok.


How to prevent files from opening in Protected View

1.     DO NOT OPEN THE FILE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL.

2.      Save the attachment to your local hard drive or a network folder

3.     Open the file from your saved location


Opening files from Sharepoint

1.     The preferred method is to open these files in your local app as opposed to open in browser.

2.     Right Click on the file and select Open

3.     Then select Open in App

 
This method will open your local copy of excel and allow you to have full functionality of any features built into the file.

You will be able to save your changes to the file or save a copy to your local drive.


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