I can't unlock the macros of a file

Roberts Jenna 0 Reputation points
2026-08-17T05:38:43.9366667+00:00

I want to use a program that is used in Excel but is locked with ActiveX and the Macros. what do I do to make the program work for me now and I do everything that is requested of me

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | Windows
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  1. Ana Le 2,220 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-17T06:00:18.2766667+00:00

    Hi,

    If this Excel program relies on both VBA macros and ActiveX controls, the behavior may be caused by different Office security settings. Since the exact warning is not included, please try the following based on what you see in Excel.

    1/ Check for a Security Warning

    Open the workbook in the Excel desktop app and check whether a yellow Security Warning or Message Bar appears.

    If the file is from a source you trust and Excel provides an Enable Content option, select it and check whether the program starts working.

    2/ Check the VBA macro setting

    If Excel indicates that macros have been disabled: Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.

    Make sure macros are configured to notify you rather than being silently blocked. After changing the setting, reopen the workbook and check whether Excel allows you to enable the content.

    I would not recommend selecting a setting that automatically enables all macros, as VBA code can execute when the workbook is opened.

    3/ Check whether ActiveX is being blocked

    Because the program also uses ActiveX, check: File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > ActiveX Settings.

    Microsoft 365 disables ActiveX controls by default in supported versions of Office. If the workbook is from a trusted source, review the available ActiveX setting and then reopen Excel to test the workbook.

    If the ActiveX setting is unavailable or cannot be changed, it may be controlled by an organization or school policy.

    4/ Check whether Windows has blocked the file

    If the workbook was downloaded from the Internet or received from another source, Windows may mark it as coming from an untrusted location.

    Close Excel, then: Right-click the workbook > Properties > General.

    If an Unblock option is available under Security, select it > Apply > OK, and then reopen the workbook.

    5/ Consider using a Trusted Location

    If the workbook is known to be safe and you use it regularly, you can place it in an Excel Trusted Location: File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations > Add new location.

    Then place the workbook in that trusted folder and test it again.

    Please only use a Trusted Location for files and folders that you trust, because content such as macros and ActiveX controls may run without the same security prompts.

    If the workbook still cannot run after these checks, especially if the security options are greyed out or changes are not retained, the device may be managed by your school or organization and an administrator may be enforcing the macro or ActiveX settings.

    To identify the correct cause, please provide:

    The exact error or warning message shown when you open the workbook.

    The workbook file type, such as .xlsm or .xlsb.

    Whether you are using Excel desktop for Windows or Excel for the web.

    Where the file came from (for example, your school, email, a website, OneDrive, or SharePoint).

    A screenshot of the warning, if possible, with any personal or confidential information removed.

    With the exact warning message, I can determine whether the issue is related to VBA macros, ActiveX, Windows file blocking, or an organization-managed security policy.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-17T05:39:03.11+00:00

    If the file is trusted and the program requires both macros and ActiveX, use this order:

    1. Open the Excel file and look for a yellow Security Warning or Message Bar.
      • For macros, click Enable Content if it appears.
      • For ActiveX, click Enable Content if it appears.
    2. If ActiveX is still blocked, enable it in Trust Center:
      • Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > ActiveX Settings.
      • Select Prompt me before enabling all controls with minimal restrictions.
      • Click OK, then OK again.
      • Reopen the file.
    3. If the file says macros are disabled, check macro settings:
      • Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.
      • Use a setting that allows notification, then reopen the file and click Enable Content when prompted.
      • Warning: enabling all macros is not recommended because potentially dangerous code can run.
    4. If the file was downloaded and Excel says the source is untrusted, remove the block in Windows:
      • In File Explorer, right-click the file and select Properties.
      • On the General tab, check Unblock if that option is available.
      • Select Apply and OK.
      • Open the file again.
    5. If Unblock is not available or the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, move it to a local folder and add that folder as a trusted location:
      • In Excel, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations.
      • If Disable all Trusted Locations is checked, clear it.
      • Select Add new location, browse to the local folder, and confirm it.
      • Optionally select Subfolders of this location are also trusted.
      • Restart Excel.
    6. If the file shows an ActiveX warning in Backstage view:
      • Select File.
      • In the Security Warning area, select Enable Content.
      • Choose either:
        • Always enable this document’s active content, or
        • Advanced Options > Enable content for this session.
    7. If the workbook is also protected or locked for editing, remove restrictions that can interfere:
      • In Excel, go to File > Info > Protect Workbook and remove password or restricted access settings if possible.

    Security notes:

    • Only enable macros or ActiveX for files from a reliable source.
    • Macros are not required just to view or edit a file.
    • Changing ActiveX settings affects Office apps broadly, not just one file.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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