Add-ins in Microsoft Outlook are powerful tools designed to enhance your productivity and streamline email workflows. However, it’s equally important to know how to remove these add-ins when they are no longer needed or if they’re causing issues within the email client. This guide illustrates step-by-step how to effectively add and remove Outlook add-ins across various versions, ensuring a smooth user experience.
How to Add or Install Add-Ins in Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook comes in several versions, each requiring a unique approach to add or install add-ins. Let’s break it down by platform to simplify the process.
1. Installing Add-Ins for Outlook Classic
Begin by navigating to the **Home** tab on the ribbon, and select either **Get Add-ins** or **Store**, depending on your Outlook version. This action redirects you to the Office Store.
From here, browse through the categories or use the search function to find a specific add-in. Once you locate the desired add-in, click on **Add** for free applications or **Get it** for premium offerings. After installation, go to **File** > **Options** > **Add-ins**. Select **COM Add-ins** and click **Go**.
Activate your newly installed add-in by checking the box beside its name. You can also include custom add-ins by selecting **Add from File** or **Add from URL**.
2. Installing Add-Ins for New Outlook
For the new version of Outlook, click the **Apps** icon located in the Action bar when reading emails or under the **Message** tab while composing. Select **Add Apps** when prompted to access AppSource or the Office Store. Search for your desired add-in or choose from available options.
Click **Add** to install it. If the add-in isn’t available here, you can also visit its official website for manual installation. New Outlook prioritizes web add-ins, which aligns with modern collaborative work environments.
3. Installing Add-Ins for Outlook Mac
On Outlook for Mac, find the **toolbar** and go to **three dots (…) -> Get Add-ins**. Use the search box to find specific add-ins, or explore the selections available there.
When you identify the one you want, click on the **Add** button then **Continue**. Most new add-ins will show up in the **New Event** toolbar or the **New Message** options, depending on their functionality.
4. Installing Add-Ins for Outlook Web App (OWA)
Log into your Outlook account and go to **Apps -> Add apps**. This action brings you to the Microsoft AppSource page. Select the add-in you want and click either **Add** or **Get it now** to proceed with the installation.
Choose the account for installation and follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the purchase. For a streamlined experience, securing a Microsoft 365 subscription can be beneficial, enhancing the integration of add-ins with OWA.
How to Remove Add-Ins From Microsoft Outlook
Let’s explore how to remove add-ins across all Outlook platforms in accordance with their specific workflows.
1. Removing Add-Ins from Outlook Classic
Navigate to **File -> Options -> Add-Ins** to access the settings. Here, you will find a list of installed add-ins, including COM and VSTO versions.
Select **Go**, find the add-in you wish to remove, and either uncheck the box beside it or click on it and select **Remove**. Remember to restart Outlook to apply these changes.
If the add-in was originally installed via a website, you may need to remove the corresponding program file from your PC to clean it entirely.
2. Uninstalling Add-Ins from New Outlook
In the new Outlook, go to **Apps -> Add apps -> Manage your apps**. Locate the add-in, select **More options (…) -> Remove** to uninstall it. The streamlined interface makes this process straightforward.
3. Removing Add-Ins from Outlook Mac
Similar to the other platforms, return to the toolbar and select **three dots (…) -> Get Add-ins**. Click on **My Add-ins**, find the one you’d like to delete, and select the **three dots (…) -> Remove** option.
4. Removing Add-Ins from Outlook Web App
To uninstall an add-in from OWA, the process is akin to that of the new Outlook. Navigate to **Apps -> Add apps -> Manage your apps**. Click on the **three dots (…)** and select **Remove** to uninstall the add-in.
Troubleshooting Stuck Add-Ins
In rare instances, removing an add-in can be problematic—either through it reappearing or failing to uninstall completely. In such cases, consider these troubleshooting strategies:
- Run Outlook in Safe Mode: Safe Mode initiates Outlook with only essential features, allowing you to forcefully erase troublesome add-ins. To do this, press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type
outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter. - Registry Edits (Advanced): As a last resort, you might consider manually deleting registry keys associated with malfunctioning add-ins. This option is risky, so ensure you back up all data before proceeding. For broader troubleshooting methods, explore dedicated resources tailored to Outlook issues.
Whether you’re an IT administrator or a casual user, effectively managing your Outlook add-ins is crucial for optimizing your email experience. With this guide, you’re now equipped to seamlessly add or remove add-ins, enhancing your productivity and ensuring a smooth interface. Embrace these tools and streamline your communication today!
Image credit: Unsplash and all screenshots by Henderson Jayden Harper.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Outlook add-ins and why should I use them?
Outlook add-ins are mini-applications that enhance functionality within Outlook, helping you automate tasks and improve productivity, such as managing your calendar, to-do lists, or integrating with third-party services.
2. Can I add custom add-ins to Outlook?
Yes! You can add custom add-ins by uploading them directly from a file or entering the URL of the add-in in the options provided within the add-in management menus.
3. What should I do if an add-in keeps reappearing after I remove it?
If an add-in keeps reappearing, try running Outlook in Safe Mode to remove it. You can also consider checking for updates or conflicts with other add-ins that might be causing the issue.
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