Why do Excel Security Options Exist?

Question

Can anyone explain why the Excel Security options exist? It seems like the product won't function as intended unless the options are enabled. And I can't understand the security problems when I do enable all the options. See my recent experience as follows:

Just noticed this problem a few days ago. Microsoft® Excel for Mac Version 16.90 (24101387) License: Microsoft 365 Subscription. Running Sonoma 14.7. I couldn't get the Help function to work in Excel. I contacted Microsoft support about this matter and spent over 2 hours trying to get it resolved. Went through a whole process of uninstall, then re-install to no effect, other than total frustration for both me and my support. I tackled it on my own today and got it resolved with a couple of check box settings.

Here is today's "solution". When I clicked on the Help button on main menu, I get a prompt, "Use Office connected experiences"; To enable this experience, change your privacy preferences.. There is no further explanation of the settings needed to allow Excel HELP to function. I followed the button that took me to settings/security. I tried Permit Optional Diagnostics and restarted Excel, still get the above prompt. I then added All Connected Experiences and restarted Excel, still get the above prompt, then in addition to the above I turned on both Experiences - Analyze Content and Download Content. Then on restart, Excel HELP finally worked.

Answer 1

What you're referring to are Privacy preferences, not Security preferences. Much of the program — including the Help files — are web based rather than being locally installed. The full explanations are provided if you click the LEARN MORE... links in the Excel> Preferences> Privacy dialog window including those on its Manage Connected Experiences page.

Among other reasons the practice enables making enhanced features readily available without occupying local storage space & provides more immediate availability of revisions & expansion of those features.

Security preferences primarily have to do with controlling VBA [macro] operations which could set unwanted malware loose on the system. These are particularly important considerations for those who receive Excel files from other sources.