how to unblock macros in excel, as i m not able to edit some cells because they show the file is protected

Question

how to unblock macros in excel, as i m not able to edit some cells because they show the file is protected

Answer 1

To unblock macros in Excel and allow editing in protected cells, you can follow these steps:

1. Remove Mark of the Web: If the file was downloaded from the internet, it may have a Mark of the Web that blocks macros. To remove it:
   • Right-click on the file and select Properties.
   • In the General tab, check the Unblock checkbox if it is available, then click OK.
2. Use PowerShell: You can also use the PowerShell cmdlet Unblock-File to remove the ZoneId value from the file, which allows macros to run by default. This cmdlet does the same thing as selecting the Unblock checkbox.
3. Open the File in Desktop App: If the file is stored on OneDrive or SharePoint, make sure to open it using the Open in Desktop App option.
4. Check Macro Settings: Ensure that your macro settings are configured correctly. You can do this by going to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings... > Macro Settings. You may want to select an option that allows macros to run, such as "Disable all except digitally signed macros".
5. Trusted Locations: If the file is on a network share or a trusted website, you can designate that location as a Trusted site or add it to the Local intranet zone to prevent macros from being blocked.

By following these steps, you should be able to unblock macros and edit the protected cells in your Excel file.

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References:

• Guidance on allowing VBA macros to run in files you trust
• Steps to take to allow VBA macros to run in files that you trust

Answer 2

Hello @Sanjana Kumari

Welcome to the Q&A Community! 

Thank you for contacting us regarding the issues you are experiencing with Excel. I understand that you are unable to edit certain cells and that macros appear to be blocked.  

To provide you with the most accurate and effective solution, I would like to gather some additional information and outline the steps that typically resolve these issues. 

1. As I see you used the tag "for Education", may I have your reconfirmation if you are signed in with a personal account (e.g., @hotmail.com, @outlook.com), an education account (e.g., @school.edu), or a work account (e.g., @yourcompany.com)? 
2. When you open the file, do you see a security warning at the top of Excel indicating that macros have been disabled? 
3. Is this problem occurring with all Excel files or only with a specific file? 
4. When you attempt to edit the cells, do you receive a message stating that the cell or sheet is protected?  A screenshot would be of great help! 
5. Do you know if the sheet or workbook is password-protected? 
6. Which version of Excel are you currently using (for example, Microsoft 365, Excel 2021), and is it on Windows or macOS? 
7. Is this your own Excel file, or was it shared with you by someone else? If it was shared, do you have editing permissions? 

 In the meantime, to enable Macros, referring to Enable or disable macros in Microsoft 365 files - Microsoft Support

• If you see a yellow security warning bar when opening the file, select “Enable Content” to allow macros to run. 
• If the warning does not appear, navigate to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.  
  • Select “Disable all macros with notification” for better security, or “Enable all macros” only if you fully trust the source of the file. 

Then, to remove Sheet or Workbook Protection, kindly: 

• Open the file in Excel and go to the Review tab. 
• Select “Unprotect Sheet” or “Unprotect Workbook.” 
• If prompted for a password, you will need to obtain it from the file owner, as it is not possible to bypass password protection without authorization. 

For details, please read this article: Protect a worksheet - Microsoft Support 

If these steps don't resolve the issue, kindly confirm the details requested above so that I can provide you with instructions tailored to your specific version of Excel and operating system.  

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