Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 30, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
Noel created a form that includes some check boxes. When someone selects the check box (so that a check appears in it), he would like to "lock" it so that the check box cannot then be unchecked.
This is very easy to do if you are using ActiveX check boxes in your form. All you need to do is remember that when the check box is clicked, an event is triggered for that checkbox. Let's say that your checkbox has a default name, such as CheckBox1. In this case, the CheckBox1_Click() event is triggered. Within the event handler, you can do just about anything you desire, including making sure that the check box stays checked.
Private Sub CheckBox1_Click()
MsgBox "ActiveX CheckBox1 Clicked"
If CheckBox1.Value = False Then CheckBox1.Value = True
End Sub
This approach works because the Value property of the check box is toggled whenever the check box is clicked. If it toggles to False (which means it is no longer checked), then you can immediately set the Value property back to True (meaning it is checked). This could be simplified a bit in this manner:
Private Sub CheckBox1_Click()
MsgBox "ActiveX CheckBox1 Clicked"
If Not (CheckBox1) Then CheckBox1 = 1
End Sub
In fact, you could simplify it even further in this way:
Private Sub CheckBox1_Click()
MsgBox "ActiveX CheckBox1 Clicked"
CheckBox1 = True
End Sub
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (13415) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Excel allows you to create a special type of macro called a user-defined function (UDF). These can let you add to the ...
Discover MoreWhen programming macros, variables are used extensively. At some point you might want to exchange the values held in two ...
Discover MoreNeed to know the address of the cell that is currently selected? The function and macro highlighted in this tip will come ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments