The developers in tech companies, when releasing a program design their applications in such a way that their users can get the most hassle-free computing experience. This is the reason that you find many apps to be very easy to use and include many shortcuts, which make their use worthwhile.
These shortcuts are called macros, and here I shall discuss them, and how to disable macros in word and excel.
What Are Macros?
Macros are computing shortcuts that automate a repeated task. In Microsoft’s terms, a macro is a series of commands that you can use to automate a repeated task and can be run when you have to perform the task.
Macros are generally very useful to an advanced user, who often repeats the same task over a single application. Hence, they seem very appealing to the majority of users who want their computing experience to be as easy as possible.
Why Would You Want To Disable Macros In Word?
Although macros seem like an easier way of computing regular tasks, there is a certain security risk involved.
Since macros were created mainly using Visual Basic for Applications, it is a code. All codes can be exploited by someone who wants to. A hacker can introduce a destructive macro in a file and then send them to you. When you open the file, the code is executed and can be used to launch and spread a virus on your computer or even into your organization’s network.
If you do not find yourself using macros, and do not receive macro-enabled files often, you may consider disabling macros in Word and Excel.
How To Disable Macros In Word?
Microsoft word disabled macros by default on its recent products. If you own a new Office product (2016 and above), your Office suite has macros disabled by default.
In Microsoft Office Word 2007, you need to remove macros manually. For this, you need to use the keyboard shortcut for viewing macros.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Alt + F8 to launch the macros tab.
- In the Macros dialog, select the macro that you want to remove and click the Delete button to the right of the dialog box.
- In the confirmation dialog box, click on Yes to delete the macro.
Repeat this for all the macros in a document.
How To Disable Macros In Excel?
Microsoft Office Excel also has the Trust access to the VBA project model object option, hence it supports macros as well. In excel, to disable Macros, you need to do it from the developer tab.
The Developer tab is not enabled by default, and you must add it to the quick access Ribbon to disable macros in Microsoft Excel.
In Microsoft Office Excel 365 and Excel 2019, follow these steps to enable the developer tab in the ribbon.
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- On the File tab, go to Options > Customize Ribbon.
- Under Customize the Ribbon and under Main Tabs, select the Developer
- On the Developer tab, in the Code group, click Macro Security.
- In the Macro Settings category, under Macro Settings, click the option that you want.
On Office Excel 2007, follow these steps:
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- Click the Office button in the top left corner.
- From the menu, select Excel options. It will be at the very bottom next to the Exit Excel option.
- In the Excel Options dialog box, in Popular tab, locate and check the box next to Show Developer tab in the Ribbon.
- Click on the Microsoft Office Button.
- Click Excel Options.
- Then click Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
- Here click on Macro settings. Here, select the option that you want.
Macro Settings Explained
Microsoft themselves published the meaning of each option so that users don’t get confused when selecting an option. Here is the official definition from their website:
- Disable all macros without notification: Macros and security alerts about macros are disabled.
- Disable all macros with notification: Macros are disabled, but security alerts appear if there are macros present. Enable macros on a case-by-case basis.
- Disable all macros except digitally signed macros: Macros are disabled, but security alerts appear if there are macros present. However, if the macro is digitally signed by a trusted publisher, the macro runs if you have trusted the publisher. If you have not trusted the publisher, you are notified to enable the signed macro and trust the publisher.
- Enable all macros (not recommended, potentially dangerous code can run): All macros run. This setting makes your computer vulnerable to potentially malicious code.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Now you know what macros are, and how to disable macros in Word and Excel. Do comment below if you found this useful, and check out our Microsoft Office dark mode guide on “How To Get Microsoft Office – Word Dark Theme?”