Add-ins (or add-ons) are programs that add extra features to Microsoft Office applications. There are 3 sorts of add-ins: VBA add-ins, COM add-ins and web add-ins.
VBA add-ins are the traditional type of add-ins. They are easy to build for anyone with a bit of VBA background.
COM stands for Component Object Model, and enables a large number of options for the customization of add-ins. COM add-ins offer better scalability since they can be distributed through an executable file.
Web add-ins are the newest solution offered by Microsoft 365, and unlike VBA or COM add-ins, they are better suited to run code that will send data to the web, typically for exchanging information with a server. But they cannot run without a working Internet connection, which can also make them slower.
Add-ins for PC
Add a VBA add-in
VBA add-ins can be installed from within the target application (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Access…).
From any of these application, click File or the Office button at the top left.
Click Options and then Add-ins on the left menu. You should see a list at the bottom of the page. In this list, click PowerPoint add-ins / Excel add-ins / Word add-ins etc. and press Go.
A dialog box opens, with the list of all add-ins installed for the current application. Click Add New and browse for the add-in you want to install and click OK. It should be a .ppa or .ppam for a PowerPoint add-in, a .xla or .xlam for an Excel add-in, and a .dotm for a Word add-in.
You might then get a security notice. Click Enable Macros if you trust the source. Your add-in should now be installed.
Add a COM add-in
Installing a COM add-in is very easy. One of the benefits of a COM add-in compared to a VBA add-in is that it usually comes as an executable that will automatically install as you follow the install wizard.
For inquiries specific to the Power-user add-in, please refer to the Support Center and create a ticket.
Add a web add-in
Web add-ins can be installed directly from the Microsoft 365 application (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, OneNote...). From the "Insert" tab, click "Get add-ins" to access the list of available add-ins to install.
Load an add-in
Sometimes an add-in can be installed but now loaded. This can happen in particular if the default behavior for the add-in is not set to load at startup of the application.
Click on File or the Office button at the top left of your application.
Click Options and then Add-ins on the left menu. You should see a list at the bottom of the page. Press Go. A dialog box opens, with the list of all add-ins installed for the current application. Click Remove to permanently remove an add-in from your application.
Remove an add-in
To remove or disable an add-in from PowerPoint, Excel or Word, proceed similarly by clicking on File or the Office button at the top left of your application.
Click Options and then Add-ins on the left menu. You should see a list at the bottom of the page. Press Go. A dialog box opens, with the list of all add-ins installed for the current application. Click Remove to permanently remove an add-in from your application.
Add-ins for Mac
From PowerPoint, Excel or Word, go to the Developer tab and click Add-ins / Add-ins. A dialog box opens.
From this dialog box, you can easily load, unload, add or remove add-ins.