How to solve the problem which causes the Excel error message "Personal Macro Workbook in the startup folder must stay open for recording."

If you are unable to record a macro and save it to your Personal Macro Workbook because Excel produces an error message which says “Personal Macro Workbook in the startup folder must stay open for recording.” Followed by another error message which says ‘Unable to record’. You can follow the steps listed below to solve this problem.

Steps to resolve the Excel error message "Personal Macro Workbook in the startup folder must stay open for recording."

Step 1: Click on the ‘File’ Tab at the top of the ribbon.

Step 2: Select ‘Options’ at the very bottom of the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Select ‘Add-ins’ from the list of options on the left-hand side of the Excel Options Dialog Box. Then click the drop down menu next to ‘Manage’ and select ‘Disabled Items'‘ and click ‘Go‘. This will open up the Disabled Items Dialog Box.

Step 4: Click on the line which says ‘Addin: personal.xlsb’ and then click the ‘Enable’ button.

Step 5: Close the Disabled Items and Excel Options dialog boxes and restart Excel.

You will now be able to save macros to your Personal Macro Workbook!