How to unblock macros that microsoft word has blocked? SECURITY RISK warning blocking macros

Question

I have tried to open a file containing a report that I have been working on which contained macros in Microsoft word. The macros were able to run the past couple of times I have used it but it now comes up with an error "SECURITY RISK Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted".

I tried opening a blank template to see if there was an issue with only one file but it also had this error appear.

I have looked at ways to unblock the macros by clicking learn more but none of them has resolved the issue.

How do I fix this issue?

Moderator's note: added image of warning.

Answer 1

With files from an external source, check the file properties in Windows Explorer and make sure that the file is not blocked there. For instance, here are the properties shown on one of my Add-Ins after downloading it.

Since it come from another computer and has macros, the macros are blocked. Uncheck the box to unblock them.
This actually came from this computer, but was uploaded to my website and then downloaded; it is still blocked!

The above is the most likely source of the blocking and does give the message when you try to use it. See also: https://addbalance.com/word/download/SecurityRiskWarning.pdf

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Generally, the best place for macro storage is in a template that is stored in a trusted location.

Trust Center Options are another location of macro blocking.

You should never set your Trust Center macro security settings to Enable All Macros.

The titles on these settings are misleading.

The appropriate setting for most users is "Disable all macros with notification."

That will give the user the option to allow the macros to run.

Disable all macros without notification does not give the user the option to allow them.

None of the options that say "Disable all macros..." actually disable all macros!
They will allow those in Trusted Locations to run; they will allow those from trusted publishers to run.

Answer 2

Hi @Julian Weaver, 

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. Microsoft Word is blocking macros due to the file source being marked as untrusted, often from downloads, emails, or network locations with the "Mark of the Web" (MOTW). This security feature prevents potential malware; even local or previously working files can trigger it after sync or updates. 

When you have a moment, please try the steps below: 

1/Remove Mark of the Web from a file 

If the file is on your local device, right‑click it, choose Properties, and look for the Unblock checkbox on the General tab. Select it, then click Apply and OK. 

Note: If no Unblock option appears (common for network/OneDrive files), proceed to trusted locations or zones below. 

2/ Adjust Macro Settings 

In Word, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings. Choose Disable all macros with notification (recommended) or Enable all macros (not recommended for security reasons), then click OK. 

3/ Add Trusted Locations 

Still in Trust Center Settings, open Trusted Locations, then choose Add new location. Click Browse and select a folder you want Word to treat as trusted. Files opened from this folder won’t show the macro‑blocking message. 

If needed, check Subfolders of this location are also trusted, and click OK.  

After completing the steps above, please restart Word and check again to see if the issue is resolved.

For more details, you can also refer to Microsoft’s official documentation: Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn 

Whenever you have a moment, please feel free to try the steps above. If you have any updates, just reply here under this post. I’m here and happy to help. 

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!

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