Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook – 2 Solutions

 

While trying to edit a Macro, a notification box is displayed:

Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook in Excel

The Macro is not in the active workbook, it’s in a different workbook that is hidden (PERSONAL.xlsb here).


Solution 1 – Editing a Macro on a Hidden Workbook by Unhiding It 

Step 1: Opening the Unhide Dialog Box in the View Tab

  • Go to the View tab.
  • In Windows, click Unhide.

Unhiding Workbook to Solve Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook

Step 2: Unhiding the Workbook in the Dialog Box

  • In the Unhide dialog box, select the hidden workbook (PERSONAL.xlsb).
  • Click OK.

Step 3: Editing the Macro

To edit the Macro:

  • Go to the Developer tab.
  • Click Macros in Code.

Editing the Macro to Solve Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook

  • Select your Macro and click Edit.

Editing a Macro to solve cannot edit a Macro on a hidden workbook

You can now edit it.

Read  More: [Fixed!]: Unable to Enable Macros in Excel


Solution 2 – Editing a Macro in a Hidden Workbook Using a VBA Code

VBA Code:

Sub Edit_a_Macro_on_a_Hidden_Workbook()

Hidden_Workbook_Name = "PERSONAL.XLSB"
Hidden_Macro_Name = "Macro1"
Active_Workbook_Name = "Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook.xlsm"

Windows(Hidden_Workbook_Name).Visible = True
Windows(Active_Workbook_Name).Activate
Application.Goto Reference:=Hidden_Workbook_Name + "!" + Hidden_Macro_Name

End Sub

VBA Code to Solve Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook

 Notes:

The hidden workbook is “PERSONAL.XLSB”, the hidden Macro is “Macro1”, and the workbook is “Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook.xlsm” (here).

Inputs to the Code to Solve Cannot Edit a Macro on a Hidden Workbook

Output:

  • Run the code by clicking Run Sub / UserForm.

The workbook will be unhidden and the editor window will be displayed.

 


Download Practice Workbook

Download the practice workbook.


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Rifat Hassan
Rifat Hassan

Rifat Hassan, BSc, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, has worked with the ExcelDemy project for almost 2 years. Within these 2 years, he has written over 250 articles. He has also conducted a few Boot Camp sessions on effective coding, especially Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Currently, he is working as a Software Developer to develop and deploy additional add-ins to enhance the customers with a more sophisticated experience with Microsoft Office Suits,... Read Full Bio

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