Macros help you automate repetitive tasks in Excel. But you’ll notice that they aren’t enabled by default. Let’s learn how to enable macros in Microsoft Excel.
How to Enable Macros in Excel
Macros can pose a security risk, so Excel won’t automatically enable them unless to tell it otherwise.
Imagine you’ve received a file, and you need to run the macros inside it. If they’re not already running, chances are your Excel installation isn’t set up to notify you about these macros.
From the menu bar left of File, click on the Excel menu dropdown. Then, click Preferences.
You’ll see an array of options here. The one you want can be found under the Security tab. Go ahead and click there.
Below, you’ll see the Macro Security section. There are three options. By default, notice that Disable all macros without notification is checked. The option you want to use is the middle: Disable all macros with notification.
Go ahead and click on the bubble to activate this option. The last (Enable all macros) is available, but can be very risky. Macros created poorly – or with malicious intent – can damage or destroy your data, or even your computer’s operating system.
Once you’ve activated Disable all macros with notification, you can open Excel files with macros inside. You’ll get a popup notification each time you open a file, asking whether you want to disable or enable the macros.
This technique lets you enjoy the benefits of macros, without taking on unnecessary risks from opening them automatically.
#REF! in Excel