How do I unblock a macro?

Kueker, McKenzie 0 Reputation points
2025-11-18T18:08:32.3633333+00:00

I followed the steps in file explorer and clicked on the file properties to click unblock, but i do not have the option to unblock.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | Other | Windows
0 comments No comments
{count} votes

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-18T18:08:54.26+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If you do not see the option to unblock a macro in the file properties, it may be due to the file being located on a network share or in a zone where the Unblock option is not available. Here are a few steps you can take:

    1. Check the Zone: If the file is on a network share, the Unblock option might not appear if the share is considered part of the Internet zone. You can check the zone settings in the Control Panel under Internet Options.
    2. Use PowerShell: You can use the Unblock-File cmdlet in PowerShell to remove the Mark of the Web from the file. This cmdlet performs the same operation as selecting the Unblock checkbox. Here’s how you can do it:
      • Open PowerShell as an administrator.
      • Run the command: Unblock-File -LiteralPath "C:\path\to\your\file.ext" (replace the path with the actual file path).
    3. Trusted Locations: If the file is stored on a network share, consider designating that location as a Trusted site or adding it to the Local intranet zone. This can help prevent macros from being blocked in the future.
    4. Open in Desktop App: If the file is stored on OneDrive or SharePoint, try opening it directly in the Desktop App using the "Open in Desktop App" option. This may allow the macros to run without needing to unblock the file.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consult with your IT department for further assistance.

    0 comments No comments

  2. Lucky 5,395 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-18T19:38:23.6833333+00:00

    Hi Kueker McKenzie, I understand how frustrating this must feel you’ve already tried the usual steps and not seeing the Unblock option makes it seem like you’re stuck without a clear solution.

    First check if the file is actually blocked by looking for the security warning in its properties if its not blocked review Office macro settings and either enable macros or add the folder as a Trusted Location then move the file to that trusted folder if needed and if the file still won’t run remove any Zone.Identifier stream using PowerShell and finally for files on OneDrive or SharePoint open them in the desktop app and apply Trusted Location settings.

    When you checked the file properties did you see any security message like This file came from another computer and might be blocked or was it completely missing?

    Best regards

    Lucky Charm

    0 comments No comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.