microsoft access blocking macros even though the site is added to trusted sites

Adding a site to Trusted sites affects how Mark of the Web (MOTW) is applied when files are downloaded, but macros can still be blocked for several other reasons. Check these points in order:

1. Confirm the file’s zone (MOTW)
   • On the Access file, run in Command Prompt:

          notepad "path-to-file.accdb":Zone.Identifier
     

   • In the Notepad window, look under [ZoneTransfer] for ZoneId:
     • 2 = Trusted sites
     • 3 = Internet
   • If ZoneId=3, the file is still treated as Internet and macros are blocked by default even if the site was added later.
2. Remove Mark of the Web from the file
   • Right‑click the Access file > Properties > on General tab select Unblock > OK.
   • If Unblock is not visible or has no effect (for example, on some network shares), use PowerShell:

          Unblock-File -Path "path-to-file.accdb"
     

   • Removing MOTW (ZoneId) allows VBA macros to run by default, assuming no policy or Trust Center setting is blocking them.
3. Verify the location is really Trusted / Local intranet
   • Go to Control Panel > Internet Options > Security > Trusted sites > Sites.
   • Confirm the exact FQDN or IP of the file server or site is listed.
   • If using http:// or a UNC/network share, clear Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone.
   • Files on network shares that are still in the Internet zone will have macros blocked even if you see an Unblock checkbox.
4. Check if Group Policy is blocking macros from the Internet
   • For Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, admins can enable Block macros from running in Office files from the Internet for Access under:
     • User Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Access 2016\Application Settings\Security\Trust Center.
   • If this policy is Enabled, macros in files with MOTW are blocked regardless of Trusted sites changes until MOTW is removed or the policy is changed.
5. Consider Trusted Locations and Trusted Publishers
   • If the file is placed in an Access Trusted Location, macros are enabled even if the file originally came from the Internet.
   • If the VBA project is digitally signed and the certificate is in Trusted Publishers, macros can run even when MOTW exists.

If, after confirming the site is in Trusted sites, the file still shows ZoneId=3, re‑download it after the zone assignment change or remove MOTW with Unblock / Unblock-File.

References:

• Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office