Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Excel 4.0 macros (XLM) are a legacy Excel macro technology; VBA macros are written in Visual Basic for Applications. They are distinct ways to automate Excel, and VBA may be used to replace legacy XLM behavior—but Microsoft’s guidance does not establish a one-click, lossless conversion for every workbook.

How XLM and VBA differ

Aspect Excel 4.0 macros (XLM) VBA
What it is A legacy macro technology also called Excel 4.0 macros. Microsoft Q&A A distinct macro technology written in Visual Basic for Applications. Microsoft documents VBA project security separately. Microsoft Learn
Role in migration Existing behavior may need to be replaced or rewritten. Microsoft Q&A guidance presents VBA as an alternative for replacing legacy macro behavior. The sources do not establish command-by-command equivalence or automatic preservation of behavior. Microsoft Q&A
Trust and security Whether an XLM macro runs depends on Office security context and configuration; a Microsoft Q&A moderator described a Trust Center setting for enabling XLM when VBA macros are enabled. Microsoft Q&A VBA project signatures and trust controls are separate from the language itself; a digital signature does not guarantee a project is safe. Microsoft Learn

What this means for an existing workbook

Do not assume that changing the macro technology is a simple file conversion. The sources establish VBA as a possible replacement direction, but do not provide a complete XLM command mapping or promise feature parity. Treat migration as a behavior-replacement project: identify what the workbook actually does, decide which behavior must remain, and test a VBA replacement against those requirements.

A practical migration approach

  1. Identify the existing automation. Determine whether the workbook relies on XLM, VBA, or both before changing its macros.
  2. Inventory required behavior. Record the inputs, outputs, and workflows people depend on, rather than assuming every legacy macro action is still needed.
  3. Design the replacement. Use VBA only where it can reproduce the required behavior; the available Microsoft guidance does not establish direct equivalents for every XLM command.
  4. Validate in a controlled, trusted environment. Compare the replacement’s results with the expected workbook behavior before relying on it for routine work.

How macro security affects both

Macro type alone does not tell you whether a file is safe. Microsoft’s current Office guidance says macros in files obtained from the internet are blocked by default in applicable configurations. Mark of the Web is one signal in that decision; trusted locations, trusted publishers, and administrator policies can also affect whether macros run. These controls depend on Office version and configuration, so in a managed workplace follow your administrator’s instructions. Microsoft’s internet-macro guidance recommends the “Block macros from running in Office files from the Internet” policy.

For XLM specifically, a Microsoft Q&A moderator’s answer dated September 4, 2026 names the Trust Center option “Enable Excel 4.0 macros when VBA macros are enabled.” That support answer is not a guarantee that the setting appears or is honored in every Excel edition or under every organization policy. Microsoft Q&A

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

Microsoft’s VBA security documentation cautions: “A digital signature does not necessarily guarantee the safety of a project, and you must decide whether you trust a project that has been digitally signed.” Trust the source and content—not just the file extension or signature—before allowing macros to run. Microsoft Learn

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which should you use?

If you are maintaining a workbook that already uses XLM, first establish what its macros do and whether that behavior is still needed. If replacement is warranted, VBA is a documented alternative, but plan to test the result rather than treating it as a guaranteed automatic conversion. For a new or revised automation project, the choice should reflect the workbook’s requirements and your organization’s security rules; the cited guidance does not support broader claims about performance, platform support, or universal feature coverage.

Best Value
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.