Macros automate tasks in Word, but they are also a classic way for malware to sneak into documents. If you do not use macros, the safest setting is to keep them disabled. Word lets you choose exactly how strict to be: block all macros silently, block them with a warning, or allow only digitally signed ones. This guide shows how to change those settings, how to remove macros from a document, and what Word already does by default to protect you.
Quick answer
Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings, choose Disable VBA macros without notification (or with notification if you want to be asked), and click OK twice.
Why disable macros?
A macro is a small program written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Legitimate macros fill in forms, format reports and automate repetitive edits. Malicious macros can download malware, steal information or encrypt files the moment you enable them. Attackers often send documents that look like invoices, shipping notices or job applications and ask you to click Enable Content. Keeping macros disabled means those documents cannot run code unless you deliberately allow it.
Step-by-step: Disable macros in Word (Windows)
- Open Word and click File.
- Click Options (you may need to click More first).
- Select Trust Center and click Trust Center Settings.
- Click Macro Settings.
- Choose one of these options:
- Disable VBA macros without notification: blocks every macro and does not tell you. The strictest option.
- Disable VBA macros with notification: blocks macros but shows a yellow bar so you can enable them for a document you trust. This is Word’s default.
- Disable VBA macros except digitally signed macros: allows macros signed by publishers you trust.
- Click OK, then OK again.
Avoid Enable VBA macros unless you have a specific reason and understand the risk.
Word for Mac
- Click Word > Preferences (or Settings).
- Click Security & Privacy.
- Under Macro Security, choose Disable all macros without notification or Disable all macros with notification.
Macros from the internet are already blocked
Microsoft 365 blocks macros in files downloaded from the internet or received as email attachments. You will see a red bar saying Microsoft has blocked macros because the source of the file is untrusted. This protection applies even if your Macro Settings would otherwise allow the macro, so be very cautious about unblocking such files.
Remove macros from a document
- Save as .docx: go to File > Save As and choose Word Document (.docx). This format cannot contain macros, so Word strips them out.
- Delete a specific macro: go to View > Macros > View Macros, select the macro, and click Delete.
Files that can contain macros use the extensions .docm and .dotm; treat unexpected ones with care.
Trusted Locations
If you disable macros but still need them for a few templates, put those files in a Trusted Location: Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations > Add new location. Macros in that folder run without warnings. Only use folders that you control, never Downloads or a shared network drive.
Settings greyed out?
On work or school computers, an administrator can control macro settings through Group Policy or Microsoft Intune. If the options are greyed out, contact your IT department.
Frequently asked questions
Will disabling macros break my documents?
Ordinary documents do not use macros, so they keep working normally. Only documents and templates that depend on macros, such as some company forms, lose their automated features.
Does this setting affect Excel and PowerPoint?
No. Each Office app has its own Trust Center macro settings, so change them separately in Excel and PowerPoint if needed.
Is it safe to click Enable Content?
Only if you know where the file came from and expected it to contain macros. Unexpected documents that ask you to enable content are a common way to spread malware.
When you do need macros
If you use macros for your own automation, choose Disable with notification so you can enable them only for files you trust. See how to enable macros in Word. For simpler shortcuts without macros, see how to create shortcuts in Word.
Summary
- Open File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.
- Choose Disable VBA macros without notification for the most protection.
- Remember Microsoft 365 blocks internet macros by default.
- Save as .docx to remove macros from a document.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.