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.
Dive Deep into Macros! Make Excel do things you thought were impossible, discover techniques you won't find anywhere else, and create powerful automated reports. Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad help you instantly visualize information to make it actionable. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, real-world case studies, and 50 workbooks packed with examples and solutions. Check out Microsoft Excel 2019 VBA and Macros today!
When you use a macro to do file operations, it works (by default) within the current directory. If you want to know which ...
Discover MoreThere are two ways to create macros: recording them or writing them from scratch. Some things cannot be done in a macro ...
Discover MoreWhen you open multiple workbooks, the way in which Excel sizes them is not the best for your needs. This tip looks at a ...
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