How to unblock macros

Question

I ordered a game show file from Etsy. I was successful in downloading the file onto my computer and saving it in PowerPoint. However, it seems I am being blocked by Microsoft from using macros to manipulate the game. Help!!!

Answer 1

Hi,

This is a common issue with files downloaded from the internet.

I assume you have unblocked the file already.

1. Open PowerPoint and go to File → Options → Trust Center → Trust Center Settings.​
2. Click Macro Settings on the left sidebar.
3. Select "Disable all macros with notification" — this lets you approve trusted files on a case-by-case basis.​
4. Click OK, reopen the file, and when the yellow security bar appears at the top, click "Enable Content"

#2:

1. In Trust Center Settings, click Trusted Locations → Add new location.​
2. Browse to the folder where your game file is saved and click OK.
3. Files in this folder will always run macros without being blocked.

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Otherwise, please take a moment to rate the answer. Wishing you good luck!

Answer 2

To use the Etsy PowerPoint game that relies on macros, the file must be unblocked and allowed to run VBA macros. Steps depend on where the file is stored and how it was downloaded.

1. Save the file locally

• Make sure the .pptm (or macro-enabled) file is saved to the local drive (e.g., Documents) or OneDrive/SharePoint synced folder.

2. Remove “blocked” status (Mark of the Web) Most downloaded macro files are blocked by Windows:
3. Close PowerPoint.
4. In File Explorer, locate the downloaded game file.
5. Right-click the file and select Properties.
6. On the General tab, if there is a Security section with an Unblock checkbox, select Unblock.
7. Click Apply, then OK.
8. Reopen the file in PowerPoint and test the game macros.

This removes Mark of the Web so macros can run, assuming no stricter policy is in place.

3. If the file is on a network share or online location If the file is stored on a network share or opened directly from a website/SharePoint/OneDrive in the browser, macros may still be blocked:

• Either download the file and use the Unblock step above, or
• Have an admin add the file location as a Trusted site or to the Local intranet zone via Control Panel > Internet Options > Security so macros from that location are not blocked.

4. If macros are still blocked by policy If an organization manages the device, Group Policy or Trust Center settings may block all macros. In that case an admin must configure macro policies (for example, “Disable all except digitally signed macros”) or adjust Trust Center macro settings so trusted macro files can run.
5. Alternative: Unblock via PowerShell (advanced) If many related files are blocked (for example, multiple game files in a folder), an advanced option is to use the Unblock-File PowerShell cmdlet to remove Mark of the Web from those files, which has the same effect as checking Unblock in Properties.

Only unblock and enable macros for files from sources that are fully trusted, because macros can contain malicious code.

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References:

• Macros from the internet are blocked by default in Office
• Block suspicious macros in Office on Windows 10 S