How to Enable Macros in Microsoft Word on Windows or Mac

Allow macros from the internet with this user-friendly guide

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 12, 2024 Fact Checked

By default, macros are disabled to protect your computer from potential viruses. However, if you want to unblock macros and use macros, you can easily do so in the Trust Center Settings. Always be sure the macro is from a trustworthy source before running it. Here's how to enable macros on Microsoft Word using your Windows or Mac computer.

Quick Steps

Open Microsoft Word.
Click Options.
Click Trust Center.
Click Trust Center Settings.
Select a macro option.
Click OK.

Steps

Download Article

Open Microsoft Word. If it opens to a file rather than the home page, click File in the top-left corner to be redirected.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

Go to source}
This is in the left panel, at the very bottom. A new window will open.

Advertisement
This is the last option in the left panel.
4
Click Trust Center Settings. You can find this button in the bottom section. A new window will open.
- If you aren't already on the Macro Settings tab, click it in the left panel now.
5
Select an option. It's recommended to avoid enabling all macros as this poses security risks for your computer.
- Disable all macros except digitally signed macros: the macro will run if published by a trusted publisher
- Enable all macros: all macros will run without confirmation
The macro setting will be applied.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you determine that a document and macro are from a trustworthy source and you do not want to change the default settings to a less safe macro, you can click Trust all documents from this publisher in the security dialog box. This will add the publisher to your trusted publisher list.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Never enable macros from untrusted files. You should always know what the macros do before thinking to enable them. Otherwise, your computer may be infected with viruses or malware.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0