How to enable macros in outlook

Last Updated: Mar 3, 2024 by

Outlook is a popular email client used by millions of people around the world. It offers a variety of features to help users manage their emails, calendars, and contacts. One of these features is the ability to use macros, which are small programs that automate tasks in Outlook. However, macros are disabled by default in Outlook for security reasons. In this article, we will discuss how to enable macros in Outlook and take advantage of this powerful feature.

What are macros?

Before we dive into how to enable macros in Outlook, let’s first understand what macros are. Macros are small programs that automate repetitive tasks in Outlook. They can be used to perform a series of actions with just one click, saving you time and effort. For example, you can create a macro to automatically forward all emails from a specific sender to a designated folder.

Why are macros disabled by default?

Macros are disabled by default in Outlook for security reasons. They can be used to execute malicious code, which can harm your computer or compromise your personal information. Therefore, it is important to only enable macros from trusted sources.

How to enable macros in Outlook

To enable macros in Outlook, follow these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and click on the File tab.
  2. Click on Options in the left-hand menu.
  3. In the Outlook Options window, click on Trust Center in the left-hand menu.
  4. Click on Trust Center Settings in the main window.
  5. In the Trust Center window, click on Macro Settings in the left-hand menu.
  6. Select the option Enable all macros.
  7. Click OK to save the changes.

How to enable macros for a specific sender

If you only want to enable macros for a specific sender, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and click on an email from the sender you want to enable macros for.
  2. Click on the File tab.
  3. Click on Options in the left-hand menu.
  4. In the Outlook Options window, click on Trust Center in the left-hand menu.
  5. Click on Trust Center Settings in the main window.
  6. In the Trust Center window, click on Macro Settings in the left-hand menu.
  7. Select the option Notifications for all macros.
  8. Click OK to save the changes.

How to create a macro in Outlook

Now that you have enabled macros in Outlook, you can create your own macros to automate tasks. To create a macro, follow these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and click on the Developer tab in the ribbon.
  2. Click on Macros in the Code group.
  3. In the Macros window, enter a name for your macro.
  4. Click Create.
  5. In the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window, enter the code for your macro.
  6. Click Save to save the macro.

Conclusion

Enabling macros in Outlook can greatly improve your productivity by automating repetitive tasks. However, it is important to only enable macros from trusted sources to ensure the security of your computer and personal information. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable macros in Outlook and take advantage of this powerful feature.

Have you used macros in Outlook before? How have they helped you? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.