What are add-ins?
A plugin (also called an add‑in) is a small extra tool you can add to Outlook to give it new features. Think of it like adding an app to your phone — Outlook still works the same, but the plugin adds something extra that Outlook doesn’t do on its own.
Note: The new version of the Outlook app does not have COM add-ins like Outlook Classic. It uses apps instead which are controlled by the IT Team. Please raise a support ticket if there is an app you require for your role in Outlook.
Which add-ins do I need in Outlook Classic?
The only plugin that you need is the Microsoft Teams Meeting Add-in. This helps create Teams meetings in your Outlook calendar. Other plugins, usually installed by other applications like Adobe/Foxit to create PDFs, are, in most cases, unnecessary and can slow Outlook down. For PDF creating use the print function and choose Microsoft Print to PDF.
How do I manage Outlook Classic add-ins?
- If Outlook has disabled an add-in, select File > Manage COM Add-Ins. Select to open.
- To permanently enable an add-in without Outlook switching it off, select the add-in, and under Options select Always enable > Apply
- To see all add-ins, select File > Options > Add-ins
- Add-ins are listed by active, inactive and disabled.
- To turn on/off the active/inactive add-ins, go to Manage at the bottom > select COM Add-ins > select Go... > check or uncheck the add-in(s) > OK
- To enable disabled add-ins > go to Manage at the bottom > select Disabled Items > select Go... > select the add-in > under Options select Always enable > Apply
