Changing Word’s Macro Security Level

By default, the Macro security level in Word is set to High. This means that Word will disable all macros unless one of two criteria are met: 1. the macro was created by the copy of the program installed on your computer or 2. the macro has a digital signature from a trusted source. These security precautions come from past complaints that Microsoft has left the door open for malicious code by allowing the use of macros. While this setting is a good thing for most users, it presents a unique problem for others. If you want to transfer a file containing a macro from another computer or if you want to use a macro from a source you trust but that does not have a digital certificate, you are either out of luck or you will need to change your security level.

Inexperienced users will be better off to forgo the use of the macro, but more advanced users who are aware of the risks macros pose will want to go ahead and change the macro security level:

1. On Macro sub-menu of the Tools menu, select Security…
2. On the Security Level tab, click the option button next to the desired level of protection
3. Click OK

A word of caution: Even with the best, most up-to-date virus protection software installed on your computer, it is NEVER advisable to select the Low security setting. Oftentimes viruses travel faster than software companies can update (and you can install) virus definitions. At the Medium security level, you will still be able to run unsigned macros, but Word will prompt you first.