What happens now then?
Several aspects changed in the user experience when opening macro-enabled content on Windows PCs. Firstly, the message bar has changed from yellow to pink to indicate a higher level of importance. Secondly, The easy-to-access Enable Content button has been replaced with a Learn More button, which simply takes you to this Microsoft article and does not enable the macro content.
VBA macro security risk message bar
That means you have to go through extra hoops to activate the macro-enabled functionality.
What hoops?
When you receive a file from the Internet via an email or a browser download, that file has a special attribute added to it by Windows called the MOTW. It doesn’t mean Match Of The Week for all you sports fans, but Mark Of The Web. You can see it easily as follows:
Run Windows File Explorer
Locate your macro-enabled file
Right-click the file and then select Properties. The phone numbers in costa rica MOTW attribute is shown by default as an unchecked Unblock checkbox in the Security item at the bottom of the General tab:
Properties pop up.
By explicitly checking the Unblock check box, you’ll be able to open your prized macro-enabled content and access the additional functionality enabled by the VBA code inside it.
What does it mean for me?
Most of the Microsoft Office files you receive will be standard PowerPoint, Excel and Word files in their respective formats of pptx, xlsx and docx. In some cases, files will have automation features built into them, often custom-designed for your specific workflows. These files have the letter m as their suffix i.e. pptm, xlsm, docm. Assuming you trust the provider, you will either have to have them saved to a Trusted Location within your organisation or check the MOTW Unblock checkbox before you can use those automation features.
If you have a BrightCarbon software product, it is most likely an add-in. Microsoft have stated that add-ins are not affected by this change (1). However, the delivery of our in-file automation solution ShowMaker may be affected – your BrightCarbon contact will be able to talk you through accessing its features.