Outlook: Enable or Disable Macros [Definitive Guide 2024]

Written By Steven Arends

Microsoft Outlook has distinguishing features and functionalities that differentiate it from email management software competitors.

Professionals often look for ways to speed up productivity. One such shortcut is the macro, which automates repetitive tasks in Outlook.outlook-enable-or-disable-macros

When you find yourself doing the same things over and over, you’re going to appreciate the time-saving features built into Outlook. Macros are one helpful way to reduce unnecessary steps.

This post will show you how to enable and disable macros in the Outlook application. Interestingly, Marcos is working on the entire Office suite application, and you can enable or disable macros by following the same steps.

Let’s get started without further delay.

How to Enable or Disable Macros in Outlook

Outlook has been a dependable and secure email management tool for both personal and businesses as a common emailing platform for an extended period.

Microsoft Outlook is different from email management software competitors in several ways, including its macro capabilities, which aid in automating repetitive tasks.

If you repeatedly perform an Outlook task that consumes so much time, you can use a macro to automate your work and save time by mapping a sequence of keystrokes or a button.

However, your system can be affected by malicious/viruses because macros are code and can contain malicious code.

Malicious code can be introduced into Office documents via a macro, allowing the code to be executed when the document is read. It can affect a computer or a network. So, be aware while you download MS Office documents on the internet.

This section will show you some steps to enable and disable the macros in Outlook. You can use these methods on Outlook 365, 2019, 2013, and 2010 versions.

Okay, let’s see how to enable and disable macros on Outlook.

Follow our guide to Outlook Not Blocking Junk Mail.

Here are the steps to enable macros on Outlook:

  • Open your Outlook application and click on the File on the top menu bar. open-outlook-file
  • Select the Options tab on the left-side menu panel to open the Outlook Options window. click-options
  • Select the Trust Center tab on the Outlook Options window. select-trust-center
  • Click on the Trust Center Settings. click-trust-center-settings
  • Select the Macro Settings tab on the left-side Trust Center window. select-macro-settings
  • Check the Enable all macros option and click OK to save the changes. check-enable-all-macros
  • Check the Apply macro security settings to the installed add-ins option if you want to allow macros to work with your Outlook add-ins. check-apply-macro-security-settings

Here are the steps to disable macros on Outlook:

  • Open your Outlook application and click on the File on the top menu bar. open-outlook-file
  • Select the Options tab on the left-side menu panel to open the Outlook Options window. click-options
  • Select the Trust Center tab on the Outlook Options window. select-trust-center
  • Click on the Trust Center Settings. click-trust-center-settings
  • Select the Macro Settings tab on the left-side Trust Center window. select-macro-settings
  • Check the Disable all macros option and click OK to save the changes. check-disable-all-macros

Check out our separate post on how to Change Client-Only Rule to Server in Outlook.

How to Adjust Macro Settings

There are four options available on the macro settings window. You can choose any of them based on your preference.

Here are the settings to adjust Macro settings:

  • Disable all macros without notification: This setting option disables all the active macros without any notification.
  • Notifications for digitally signed macros, all other macros disabled: This setting only allows notifications for digitally signed macros. Enabling this setting to disable all other macros.
  • Notifications for all macros: Select this option to allow notifications for all macros.
  • Enable all macros: Select this setting to enable all macros on Outlook. Outlook does not recommend this setting because if you allow all macros, it can potentially run harmful code.

Also, check out our separate post on Fix Outlook Rules Not Working on Phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I enable or disable macros in Outlook for Mac?

Unfortunately, enabling or disabling macros is not currently supported in any Outlook version for Mac.

Should I enable macros in Outlook?

Yes, you can enable macros in Outlook. You can save time when you repeat a time-consuming Outlook task by automating it with a macro.

Are macros disabled by default?

The default is set to Disable all macros with notification, allowing users to enable content in the Trust Bar.

Here’s a complete guide on Outlook 365 Rules not Running Automatically.

Final Thoughts

Macros are sets of instructions used to automate specific tasks. They’re applied in processes that automate repetitive tasks, such as repeatedly formatting the same table. Macros are integrated into the Microsoft Office suite of tools.

You can automate your repetitive tasks by creating and enabling macros on Outlook. It helps you do tasks faster than usual and saves valuable time. So, why don’t you use macros?

Alright, that’s all for now. As usual, check out our other articles for more information and details.

See you next one. Have a good day.

About The Author
Steven Arends is a computer science graduate and tech enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in the field. He has a vast collection of computer hardware and loves exploring the latest advancements. As a contributing author to 10Scopes, Steven shares his expertise to make the world of technology more accessible and easier to understand for all readers.

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