every week I get a warning: SECURITY RISK. Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted.

Kenneth Gregie 0 Reputation points
2026-08-18T00:32:02.7333333+00:00

I use 10-12 macros every session, so they're simple and very important to me. How can you help me correct this problem, when I can't even tell where its coming from.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | Other | Windows
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  1. Xavier-D 11,805 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-20T06:34:39.0933333+00:00

    Hello Kenneth Gregie

    Was the answer provided by AI assist able to help you solve this issue?

    Since the warning returns every week, the next step is to identify exactly which file is triggering it rather than changing the global macro settings.

    Does the warning appear only when you open a particular workbook, or does it appear as soon as Excel starts?

    Also, where are the macros stored: inside the affected workbook, PERSONAL.XLSB, a template, or an Excel add-in?

    Please provide the file extension and general storage location, such as a local folder, OneDrive, an email attachment, or a network drive, without including personal information.

    If this is a work- or school-managed computer, an administrator policy may be enforcing the block. In that case, Trust Center changes might not override it, so your IT administrator would need to review the Excel macro policy.

    For macros that you own and use regularly, digitally signing the VBA project and trusting that publisher may also provide a safer long-term solution than repeatedly unblocking files.

    Please do not select Enable all macros, as that would reduce protection for every workbook opened in Excel.

    I look forward to your update and will be happy to guide you further.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. AI answer

    2026-08-18T00:32:22.07+00:00

    This warning usually means the file has Mark of the Web and Office is treating it as coming from the Internet or Restricted sites zone. In that case, Office blocks VBA macros and shows the Security Risk banner.

    To find where it is coming from and fix it:

    1. Check whether the file is marked as downloaded from the internet
      • In File Explorer, right-click the workbook or document.
      • Select Properties.
      • On the General tab, look for Unblock.
      • If Unblock is present, select it, then Apply and OK.
      • Reopen the file.
    2. If there is no Unblock checkbox, check the file location
      • Files on a network share, OneDrive, SharePoint, or a path Office treats as internet-facing can still be blocked.
      • This can also happen for intranet files if the location is not identified as trusted, such as opening a share by IP address.
    3. If the file is on a network share and used regularly, trust the location
      • In Office, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
      • Open Trusted Locations and add the folder that stores the macro files.
      • If needed, enable trusting network locations.
      • Risk: trusting a folder allows macros in files from that location to run, so use only a location that is controlled and trusted.
    4. If the file is on an internal server or website, use a trusted zone
      • Add the location as a Trusted site, or if appropriate add it to the Local intranet zone.
      • Microsoft recommends preferring a location already considered part of the Local intranet zone instead of adding new locations.
      • Risk: adding a site as a Trusted site gives that entire site elevated permissions beyond Office.
    5. If the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint
      • Open it with Open in Desktop App.
      • If it was downloaded locally first, remove Mark of the Web from the local copy using Properties > Unblock or Unblock-File in PowerShell.
    6. If the warning appears even for new blank files or files without macros
      • The source can be the Office template, especially Normal.dotm in Word.
      • Check that the default templates folder is a Trusted Location.
      • If the issue continues, close Word, rename Normal.dotm, then restart Word so a new default template is created.
    7. If the warning appears only after downloading or copying files
      • The file may be carrying a ZoneId value.
      • That value can be checked from Command Prompt with: 
             notepad {name of file}:Zone.Identifier
      • A ZoneId of 3 means Internet, which causes macros to be blocked by default.
    8. If the file is on a NAS or network path and cannot be trusted directly
      • A documented workaround is to copy the file locally, open it there, then save it back. This can clear the Mark of the Web state for that file.

    Important points:

    • Changing Macro Settings alone often does not fix this specific warning, because the block is based on the file source trust state.
    • If the file is only needed for viewing or simple edits, macros do not need to be enabled.
    • Only unblock files or trust locations that are known to be safe.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

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