How to Enable Macros for Individual Workbooks

Macros can be enabled for a specific file in two ways: directly from the workbook and via the Backstage view.

1. Enable macros directly via security notice

When you first open a workbook containing macros with the default macro settings, the yellow security warning bar appears at the top of the sheet, right under the ribbon:

The Microsoft Excel Security Notice will be displayed if the Visual Basic Editor is open at the time you open the file with macros:

If you are confident in the file’s origin and that all macros are safe, click the Enable Content or Enable Macros button. This activates the macros and marks the file as a trusted document. 

2. Turn on Macros in the Backstage View

The Office Backstage view is another way to enable macros for a specific workbook. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Click the File tab, then Info from the left menu.

Step 2: Click Enable Content > Enable All Content, in the Security Warning area.

Your workbook, like the previous method, will become a trusted document.

A macro is a set of commands that you can use to automate a repetitive task and run whenever you need to. This article discusses the risks associated with working with macros, as well as how to enable or disable macros in the Trust Center. Using macros in Excel reduces human error and saves time by automating repetitive tasks.