In the vast digital universe of Microsoft Office, macros have carved a niche for themselves by enabling users to automate repetitive tasks within Office documents. But what exactly are encrypted macros? As elucidated by Microsoft, a macro virus lurks within the macros of Microsoft Office files, such as documents, presentations, workbooks, templates, and even ActiveX controls, COM add-ins, or Office add-ins. These macro viruses possess the potential to execute malicious actions when an Office document is opened.
Interestingly, the presence of a macro in a Microsoft Office file prompts a change in the file extension. For instance, a regular Word document carries the “.DOCX” extension. However, the introduction of a macro switches it to a “.DOCM” file. Similarly, the addition of macros turns an Excel file with a “.XLSX” extension into a “.XLSM” file and a PowerPoint presentation with a “.PPTX” extension into a “.PPTM” file.
Microsoft, prioritizing user security, ensures that Office does not automatically execute active content from files unless they’re designated as trusted documents or sourced from trusted locations. Yet, in an era riddled with ever-evolving cyber threats, it’s only prudent to bolster one’s defenses. Scanning encrypted macros before opening a document can be an instrumental step in this direction.
In this detailed risewindows article, we will embark on a comprehensive guide to enforce Microsoft Word on Windows 11 or 10 to scan encrypted macros before they are accessed consistently. By leveraging the capabilities of the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor, users can activate this setting. Consequently, Microsoft Word will meticulously scan any macros for potential malware before loading the file, safeguarding your computer against any unwarranted infections.
How to Force Microsoft Word Always to Scan Encrypted Macros before Opening using Group Policy Editor?
Do these steps to always scan encrypted macros before opening a Word document using Group Policy Editor:-
Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Browse to the following path from the left sidebar:-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Word 2016 > Word Options > Security > Trust Center
Step 3. Double-click on the policy name “Scan encrypted macros in Word Open XML documents” on the right side of the “Trust Center” folder.
Step 4. Choose Enabled.
Step 5. Select the Scan encrypted macros (default) option under the “Options” section.
Step 6. Click on the Apply button.
Step 7. Hit OK.
Step 8. Restart your computer.
Once you complete the above steps, Microsoft Word will scan encrypted macros before opening Windows 11 or 10.
How do you always force Microsoft Word to Scan Encrypted Macros before using Registry Editor?
Do these steps to always scan encrypted macros before opening a Word document using Registry Editor:-
Step 1. Open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Browse to the following key in the left sidebar of Registry Editor:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0
Step 3. Right-click on the 16.0 folder to select New > Key.
Step 4. Name the new key as a word.
Step 5. Right-click on the word folder to select New > Key.
Step 6. Name the new key as security.
Step 7. Right-click on the security folder and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 8. Name the newly created REG_DWORD as wordbypassencryptedmacroscan.
Step 9. Double-click on wordbypassencryptedmacroscan REG_DWORD to set its “Value data” to 0.
Step 10. Hit OK.
Step 11. Restart your PC.
Once you complete the abovementioned steps, Microsoft Word will scan encrypted macros before opening Windows 11 or 10.
Conclusion
Microsoft Office macros, while offering automation capabilities, can be vulnerable to macro viruses. These viruses have the ability to execute harmful actions when a document is opened. Encrypted macros present an additional challenge in terms of security. However, with Microsoft’s focus on user security, there are mechanisms in place to ensure that these macros are scanned before they’re executed. The detailed guide provided here offers steps on how users can enforce their Microsoft Word application on Windows 10 or 11 to consistently scan encrypted macros before they are accessed, using either the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor. Taking these precautions enhances the security of your computing environment.
