Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel
It is risky to activate macros because problems could arise when viewing a spreadsheet that has macros enabled. Due to security concerns, Excel disables macros from outside sources. This article explains how to activate Excel macro settings greyed out effectively with appropriate illustrations and the risks involved.
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Download this practice workbook to exercise while you are reading this article.
Step-by-Step Procedures to Solve If Macro Settings Is Greyed out in Excel
Let us have a data set like this. We have a record of the income statements of several people. We will enable macro settings greyed out using this dataset. Here’s an overview of the dataset for today’s task.
Step 1: Create Dataset with Proper Parameters
In this step, we will create a dataset with the proper parameters. We will enter the heading of our dataset like in the below screenshot. Hence, format it as we want from the Home tab.
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Step 2: Enable Macros
In this step, we will learn how to enable macros in Excel. To do that, simply have a look at the below GIF file.
- We will select the Options command under the File tab.
- As a result, an Excel Options dialog box pops up. From the Excel Options dialog box, select Trust Center Setting from the Trust Center option.
- Hence, select Enable VBA macros (not recommended, potentially dangerous code can run) from the Macro Settings option.
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Step 3: Open Run Dialog Box
Sometimes you can’t use a function of a program because you’re “greyed out.” Your grey enable/disable button is inactive when you click it; nothing occurs. The Excel application is also susceptible to this. However, you can still use the following instructions to enable the macro setting greyed out:
- Press the Windows key + R key Hence, a Run dialog box will appear in front of you. From the Run dialog box, type GPEDIT.MSC in the Open typing box. At last, press the OK option.
- After that, a Local Group Policy Editor dialog box pops up. From the Local Group Policy Editor dialog box, select Administrative Templates from User Configuration.
- Further, go back to your Excel workbook.
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Step 4: Go to Trust Center Option
- Now, select the Options command under the File tab.
- As a result, an Excel Options dialog box pops up. From the Excel Options dialog box, select Trust Center Setting from the Trust Center option.
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Step 5: Use Trusted Locations Option
- After that, do like the below screenshot.
- After pressing the OK button, you will go back to the Excel Options dialog box. Again, press OK.
- Finally, you will be able to enable macro settings greyed out.
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Step 6: Restart Your PC
- After completing the above process, simply restart your PC to activate the macro settings greyed out.
Notes: Enable to Disable Macros in Excel
To do that, check the Disable VBA macros with a notification from the Macro Settings option under the File tab.
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Bottom Line
👉 You can pop up Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window by pressing Alt + F11 simultaneously.
👉 If a Developer tab is not visible in your ribbon, you can make it visible. To do that, go to,
File → Option → Customize Ribbon
Conclusion
I hope all the suitable methods mentioned above to enable macro settings greyed out will provoke you to apply them in your Excel spreadsheets with more productivity. You can also visit our website, ExcelDemy to learn more Excel-related content. You are most welcome to feel free to comment if you have any questions or queries.
Hi,
What do you do under User Configuration/Administrative Templates?
Hi WOLFIXX,
Greetings. Thanks for commenting. You just need to select Administrative Templates from User Configuration from the Local Group Policy Editor dialog box.