Details
This policy setting controls the default location for storing macros in Excel. The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled. The Record Macro dialog box includes a drop-down menu that allows users to choose whether to store the new macro in the current workbook, a new workbook, or their personal macro workbook (Personal.xlsb), a hidden workbook that opens every time Excel starts. By default, Excel displays the Record Macro dialog box with This Workbook already selected in the drop-down menu. If a user saves a macro in the active workbook and then distributes the workbook to others, the macro is distributed along with the workbook, which could put workbook data at risk if the macro is triggered accidentally or intentionally.
Solution
To implement the recommended configuration state, set the following Group Policy setting to Enabled. User ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesMicrosoft Excel 2016Excel OptionsSecurityTrust CenterStore Macro In Personal Macro Workbook by Default Impact: Enabling this setting does not prevent users from selecting a different location for storing macros, so it is unlikely to cause significant usability issues for most users.
Supportive Information
The following resource is also helpful.
This security hardening control applies to the following category of controls within NIST 800-53: Configuration Management.This control applies to the following type of system Windows.