How to set Macro Security in PowerPoint
Problem
If PowerPoint's macro security settings are too strict, your code won't run.
PowerPoint may not even give the user any warning that the code is being prevented from running. Simply: nothing happens.
Suggested security settings
Appropriate macro security settings will allow the code to run and still give the user adequate protection.
In PowerPoint 2007 and later:
- In PowerPoint 2010/2013/2016: Choose File | Options | Trust Center | Trust Center Settings
- In PowerPoint 2007: Choose Office Button | PowerPoint Options | Trust Center | Trust Center Settings
- Cilck Macro Settings
- Click Disable all macros with notification
- Click Add-ins (on the left, above Macro Settings)
- Make sure that none of the options have checkmarks next to them
- Close all open dialog boxes
- Now when the user opens a file that contains macros, PowerPoint will display a bar just beneath the ribbon with the text Security Warning: Macros have been disabled and an Options... button. Users should click Options... then click Enable this content to permit macros to run.
In PowerPoint 2003 and previous:
- Choose Tools|Macro | Security
- On the Security Level tab, click Medium
- On the Trusted Publishers tab, put a checkmark next to Trust all installed add-ins and templates
- Close all open dialog boxes
- Now when the user opens a file that contains macros, PowerPoint will display a warning dialog box and offer the chance to enable the macros or not.
Microsoft recommends against lower security settings and we completely agree. It can be a nuisance having to OK a warning message every time you open a file that includes macros, but it's better than taking a chance that a malicious macro might do serious damage to your computer.
What about add-ins?
These settings will give users a similar warning message when they install a PPA or PPAM add-in in PowerPoint but once they OK the message, the add-in will load. From then on, there will be no more warning messages.
Other security measures
Depending on your needs, you can also apply Digitial Signatures to your presentations and add-ins.
PowerPoint 2007 and later support Trusted Folders, special user-designated folders whose contents are trusted ... not subject to the usual security restrictions PowerPoint imposes.
Both of these techniques are beyond the scope of this article, but if you're a developer planning to distribute your add-ins or code to many users, they're worth looking into.