Easiest way to open a macro-enabled Excel (.xlsm) file.
As an AML and Regulatory Compliance Analyst by profession, it recently became a little challenging for me to open an excel file that is macro-enabled, especially ones that I have downloaded from a public website, particularly for me: the BSP website.
I was confused to reading a security risk warning that says, “Microsoft has blocked macros from running because the source of this file is untrusted” on my Data Entry Template (DET). Then, after some clicks on google, I finally found out that its the updates made by Microsoft itself that you suddenly can’t open a macro-enabled Excel (.xlsm) file.
This sudden change is one of Microsoft’s extensive procedures of protecting its users from the threats of malware as cases of cybercrime and intrusive software issues has been skyrocketing for the last years. With this, I encourage you to always be cautious of clicking or allowing links and documents into your computers. Your device is always yours to protect.
Although there is a safer approach on dealing with this matter, I’m gonna show you the quickest way if you need the job done ASAP.
Quick Peek:
Properties > General > Unblock > Save or Apply & OK.
Detailed:
Step 1: After downloading, right click on the excel file you want to open and choose Properties.
Step 2: Under the General tab, check mark Unblock to disable the default security that is blocking the spreadsheet from opening.
Step 3: Click Apply and OK to save the changes then close the window if it didn’t exit automatically.
Step 4: Lastly, open the file as usual and don’t forget to “enable content” when prompted.
Please do note: If you have a tendency to open unnecessary links or you frequently download a publicly shared file, I don’t recommend you doing the steps above, but instead, I suggest you check out the safer ways in opening a VBA Macro file by Microsoft.
Sources of information: [1][2][3].
















