Forum Discussion
Lost ability to create macros
Just tried to create a macro and have found that all the buttons on the macro console are greyed out.
I've been editing macros in this file earlier but now all have disappeared and I can't do anything with the macro console.
All set up in the trust centre ok.
Any ideas?
Please try below potential causes and fixes for the greyed-out Macro Console:
- File format issue
- Make sure your workbook is saved as Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).
- If it’s saved as .xlsx, macros won’t be stored or editable.
Fix:
Go to File → Save As → Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).- Workbook or worksheet protection
- If the workbook or sheet is protected, macro editing may be disabled.
Fix:
Go to Review → Unprotect Sheet or Unprotect Workbook.- Macros disabled by Group Policy
- Even if Trust Center settings look correct, your system may be governed by a Group Policy that disables macros.
Fix:
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to:
User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Microsoft Excel → Excel Options → Security → Trust Center - Check if macro settings are enforced here. If so, contact IT to adjust.
- Corrupted workbook or Excel profile
- If macros were working and suddenly disappeared, the workbook might be corrupted or your Excel profile may have cached errors.
Fixes:
- Try opening the file on another computer.
- Create a new workbook and import the macros manually.
- Repair Office:
Control Panel → Programs → Microsoft 365 → Modify → Quick Repair.
- Add-ins or COM conflicts
- Some add-ins can interfere with macro functionality.
Fix:
- Go to File → Options → Add-ins → Manage COM Add-ins → Go
- Disable suspicious or unknown add-ins and restart Excel.
3 Replies
Please try below potential causes and fixes for the greyed-out Macro Console:
- File format issue
- Make sure your workbook is saved as Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).
- If it’s saved as .xlsx, macros won’t be stored or editable.
Fix:
Go to File → Save As → Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).- Workbook or worksheet protection
- If the workbook or sheet is protected, macro editing may be disabled.
Fix:
Go to Review → Unprotect Sheet or Unprotect Workbook.- Macros disabled by Group Policy
- Even if Trust Center settings look correct, your system may be governed by a Group Policy that disables macros.
Fix:
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to:
User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Microsoft Excel → Excel Options → Security → Trust Center - Check if macro settings are enforced here. If so, contact IT to adjust.
- Corrupted workbook or Excel profile
- If macros were working and suddenly disappeared, the workbook might be corrupted or your Excel profile may have cached errors.
Fixes:
- Try opening the file on another computer.
- Create a new workbook and import the macros manually.
- Repair Office:
Control Panel → Programs → Microsoft 365 → Modify → Quick Repair.
- Add-ins or COM conflicts
- Some add-ins can interfere with macro functionality.
Fix:
- Go to File → Options → Add-ins → Manage COM Add-ins → Go
- Disable suspicious or unknown add-ins and restart Excel.
Thanks for the help. I went through your suggestions and everything seemed as it should be.
In the end turned macros on and off in the Trust Centre, restarting in between.
Still couldn't create a macro but found I could create one using Record Macro. So I did and then it showed in the list and I could also now Create macros from the console so all good.
Thanks!
chrishall166 Buttons in that dialog will be enabled if you type a macro name in the "Macro name" box (or choose one from the list if there are any). If the macro is available in any of the workbooks (or in the workbook you select in the drop-down), then the Edit and Run buttons are enabled. The Create button gets enabled as soon as you enter a valid macro name.
