Fix: Microsoft has Blocked Macros, the Source is Untrusted

 After an update, Microsoft has blocked running macros on files downloaded from the internet.

This is getting in way of many individuals who rely on running macros from files available on the internet.

This guide explains the simple method that can help you fix the Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is an untrusted error.

In 2022, Microsoft released a new version of Microsoft Excel that brought in advanced security protection against Excel Macros.

Notably, this update was meant to protect users from running potentially harmful macros that hackers may create to gain access to the user’s personal data.

However, in their aim to safeguard users from malicious macros, Microsoft made the security so tight that users came across an error message saying Security Risk – Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted.

In simple words, the Microsoft change blocked the macros on files downloaded from the internet. But since macros are a great way to automate excel and make your life easy when working on an excel sheet, not being able to use genuine macros could hamper the productivity of several users.

Thankfully, this guide mentions a couple of ways that you can follow and fix the Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted error. Let us check out the guide itself.

What error will you get when accessing macros downloaded from the internet?

Before the update, when you used to open macros downloaded from the internet, there was a simple warning that said Macros have been disabled.

But the good thing about this warning was that there was an Enable option that would fix the problem, and actually let you enable the content.

Now, after the update, users come across the error saying Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted when trying to run macros downloaded from the internet.

When you click on the Learn More button, it simply redirects you to a website that tells you in-depth about why you are seeing this error and also provides you with the solution.

From Microsoft’s point of view, by adding an extra few steps, they are trying to protect users by only enabling files that they trust. Now, let us check out the method you can use to fix this error.

How can I fix Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted error?

1. Close the workbook.
2. Right-click on the workbook.
3. Select Properties.

4. Under the General tab, make sure to check the Unblock box in Security.

• Hit the Apply button.
• Now open the workbook.
• You will see the error message has now disappeared.
• Click on View on the top menu bar.

• At the extreme right on the top menu bar, click on Macros.
• In the new window that shows, hit the Run button. You will see the macros running without any issues.

Also, note that any files downloaded to the trusted location will not be blocked by default. To view which locations are trusted, you can follow the steps below.

• Open the workbook.
• Click on File.

• Select Options.

• Click on Trust Center from the left pane.
• Press Trust Center Settings on the right.

Select Trusted Locations from the left.

• Here you will see your trusted locations.

That is it. The above simple method will help you get rid of the annoying cannot run Macros error message, and you can now download files from the internet to run macros on Excel without any issues.

Let us know in the comments below if you were able to fix this problem using the above method or not. You can also let us know of any other alternate method that fixed the problem for you.