Active content is additional functionality in a file or program, such as macros, add-ins, or data connections. This article lists types of active content that can be blocked by the settings in Trust Center and which, when present, will cause the display of a message bar upon opening the document. When active content is blocked, a Security Warning appears. If the file contains more than one type of active content, it warns some active content has been disabled.
Use Trust Center to check files
In Trust Center, you can configure the checking of your content for viruses or other security hazards that can be delivered to your computer by active content. These checks prevent active content from running automatically and thereby help to protect your computer and network.
Open Trust Center in an Office program
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In the ribbon click File, then click Options.
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Click Trust Center, and then click Trust Center Settings.
Types of active content
To see and manage which types of active content are blocked, click Trust Center Settings which will open the Trust Center window.
A Message Bar is displayed when Trust Center detects any of the following types of active and external content in your files:
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ActiveX controls
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Add-ins
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Data connections
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Macros
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Excel 4.0 macros
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Spreadsheet links
The following kinds of externally linked or embedded content are blocked:
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Linked object linking and embedded (OLE) files
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Color-theme files
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Cascading style sheet (CSS) files
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XML expansion packs
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Links to external pictures
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Media files
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Real-time data servers
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XML manifests
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Smart documents
Learn more
To learn more about Trust Center, see View my options and settings in the Trust Center.
