How to resolve the "Macros Disabled" error in Microsoft Word on macOS computers

Issue

These instructions are to help you correct the Microsoft Word error: "The function you are attempting to run contains macros or content that requires macro language support. When this software was installed, you (or your administrator) chose not to install support for macros or control."

Usually this is due to the concurrent installation of Adobe Acrobat and related software, which installs unsigned macro functions to provide extra "Save as PDF" features. These are not necessary in most cases, as macOS provides native PDF capability.

Quick Resolution

1. Go to Applications and launch Self Service.
2. Search or Browse for the "Remove Adobe PDF Macros from Office" action -- the icon is a red box with the Adobe cloud symbol and a yellow triangle with an exclamation point.
3. Run the action.
4. Launch your Office app.

Another Resolution

1. Open the Self-Service app
2. Type Office in the search bar
3. Select 'Remove MS Office 2016/2019 - Completely'
   • Choosing the “completely” one instead of the “gently” one ensures that any pesky preferences files contributing to the error you’re experiencing are removed
4. Give the computer some time to uninstall the software
5. Restart the computer
6. Once the computer powers on again, open the Self-Service app
7. Type Office in the search bar
8. Select Install Office Apps
9. After the software is fully installed, please create a new document, save, and close it out
10. Then try to reopen the document again