Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Excel error when recording a macro in my personal workbook

Excel macro recording error fix for personal workbook

Quick Answer: Ensure the personal macro workbook is left open during recording.

Error 'personal macro workbook in the startup folder must stay open for recording' occurs when you try to record a macro in your personal Excel workbook, which is stored in the startup folder. This error affects users who have set up their Excel workbooks to start automatically when they log in to their computer.

Recording macros can be frustrating, especially when it's preventing you from completing tasks efficiently. Don't worry, we're here to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary reason for this error is that Excel requires your personal macro workbook to stay open in the startup folder for recording macros to work properly. This is a security feature designed to prevent malicious code from running automatically when you start Excel.
  • Another possible cause could be if your personal macro workbook is not set as a trusted source, which may lead to additional security checks and errors during macro recording.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Keeping the Personal Macro Workbook Open

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open your personal Excel workbook that contains macros. Make sure it's in the startup folder (usually located in C:/users ame/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Office/14.0/Startup).

Trusting the Personal Macro Workbook

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Right-click on your personal macro workbook and select 'Properties'. In the Properties window, go to the 'Trust Center' tab.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the error, try either method 1 (keeping the Personal Macro Workbook open) or method 2 (trusting the Personal Macro Workbook). If you're still experiencing issues, consider creating a copy of your macro workbook in a different location and recording macros from there. By following these steps, you should be able to record macros successfully in your personal Excel workbook.

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