Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool used by professionals across industries for data analysis and management. While the program offers a wide range of features, one of its most useful aspects is the ability to create and run macros – sets of actions that can be automated to simplify complex tasks. However, with the release of Excel 2021, many users have encountered issues with macros not working as intended.

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that macro settings in Excel 2021 have been updated to enhance security. By default, macros are now disabled, and users must manually enable them. This change was implemented to protect users from potentially malicious code, but it can be frustrating for those who rely on legitimate macros for their work. To enable macros, go to the “File” tab, then select “Options” and navigate to the “Trust Center” settings. From here, you can adjust the “Macro Settings” and choose the appropriate level of security for your needs. It is recommended to only enable macros from trusted sources to minimize potential risks.

Another common issue with Excel 2021 macros is compatibility. If you are using a macro created in an older version of Excel, you may encounter errors when attempting to run it in the latest version. To resolve this, try opening the workbook containing the macro in compatibility mode. Go to the “File” tab, select “Options,” and then choose “Save.” Under the “Save workbooks” section, you can specify the default file format. Select “Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)” to ensure compatibility with macro-enabled files from previous Excel versions.