Microsoft announces it’s disabling macros to protect Office apps from malware attacks

Microsoft announced steps to eliminate malware attacks across their Office productivity suite on Monday, February 7th. To this end, whenever a user opens an attachment or downloads a file from the internet, these files will be analyzed for macros. The files will then be classified as ‘untrusted’ by the entire Office productivity suite. Furthermore, a banner will be displayed altering the user to Microsoft blocking macros from running because of their untrusted file source. 

This news comes within a month from Microsoft’s announcement that it was disabling macros in Excel 4.0. This was also done to limit security threats to unsuspecting users as Excel 4.0 (XLM) macros had become synonymous with malware distribution. 

However, this feature does not give you less access to your computer or files on it. The user still has full control over their system and the information they expose it to; the new feature simply makes Office’s default setting one that protects the user’s system.

Should users wish to unblock macros for downloaded files, the process is easily executed in a few simple steps:

• Right-click the desired downloaded file
• Select ‘Properties’ from the menu
• Click on the ‘General’ tab
• Tick the ‘Unblock’ checkbox

The new changes are expected to take effect on Microsoft 365 from April 2022. Microsoft is also expected to backport the updates to Office 2021, Office LTSC, Office 2019, Office 2016, and Office 2013 at a future date yet to be announced. 

If you would like to learn how to unleash the full potential of Microsoft’s Office productivity suite, read our full guide to Microsoft Excel and our article on using Excel formulas in 3 simple steps. Mathematics has never been easier.