Excel Trusted Locations
Creation date: 8/28/2026 10:02 AM
Updated: 8/28/2026 10:02 AM
Users will download Excel documents, and upon opening them, see a message that there is a security risk and the file is open in "protected view". This will prevent macros from running, and stop the ability to edit the spreadsheet.
Example:
To resolve this issue, it is necessary to add the Downloads folder (and subfolders) to Trusted Locations in Excel.
Follow these steps:
- Select the File tab and choose Options.
- Select Trust Center, and then choose Trust Center Settings.
- In the Trust Center, select Trusted Locations.
- Select "Add a new location" and navigate to Downloads folder.
- Ensure that "Include Subfolders" is checked.
- Close and re-open the file
Microsoft Learning article: Add a Trusted Location
DataImage74.png