Outlook add-ins can slow down performance, so disabling the ones you do not need helps the program run faster. If you are wondering how to disable Outlook add ins, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every method step by step, whether you use Outlook on Windows, Mac, or the web version. By the end, you will have a cleaner, faster email experience.
Add-ins are small programs that integrate with Outlook to provide extra features, like calendar tools, email tracking, or CRM integration. While they can be useful, too many active add-ins can cause Outlook to lag, crash, or take forever to load. Disabling the ones you do not need is a simple fix that can dramatically improve performance.
Let us start with the most common version: Outlook for Windows. This is where most users encounter add-in issues, and the steps are straightforward.
How To Disable Outlook Add Ins In Windows Desktop Version
For Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, or Microsoft 365 on Windows, the process is almost identical. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Open Outlook And Go To File
Launch Outlook on your computer. Click the File tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon. This opens the backstage view where you can manage account settings and options.
Step 2: Access Options
In the left-hand menu, click Options. A new window titled “Outlook Options” will appear. This is where all the customization lives.
Step 3: Navigate To Add-Ins
In the left sidebar of the Options window, click Add-Ins. You will see a list of all active and inactive add-ins, along with their types (COM, Exchange, etc.).
Step 4: Manage Your Add-Ins
At the bottom of the window, next to the “Manage” dropdown, select COM Add-ins (or the type you want to disable). Then click Go….
Step 5: Uncheck The Add-Ins You Want To Disable
A list of available COM add-ins appears. Uncheck the box next to any add-in you want to disable. For example, if you see “Skype Meeting Add-in” or “LinkedIn Add-in,” uncheck them. Click OK to save.
Step 6: Restart Outlook
Close and reopen Outlook for the changes to take effect. You should notice faster loading times and less lag.
Tip: If you are unsure which add-in is causing problems, disable them all and re-enable one at a time. This helps you identify the culprit.
Disabling Add-Ins In Outlook For Mac
Mac users have a slightly different process. Here is how to disable add-ins in Outlook for Mac 2019, 2021, or Microsoft 365.
Step 1: Open Outlook Preferences
Launch Outlook on your Mac. In the top menu bar, click Outlook > Preferences. A preferences window will open.
Step 2: Select Add-Ins
In the preferences window, click the Add-Ins icon. You will see a list of installed add-ins.
Step 3: Disable Unwanted Add-Ins
Uncheck the box next to any add-in you want to turn off. For add-ins that do not have a checkbox, you may need to click the gear icon or select “Disable” from a dropdown menu.
Step 4: Restart Outlook
Quit Outlook completely and relaunch it. The disabled add-ins will no longer load.
Note: Some add-ins on Mac are managed through the “Tools” menu. If you do not see the Add-Ins option in Preferences, go to Tools > Add-ins instead.
How To Disable Outlook Add Ins In Outlook On The Web
The web version of Outlook (Outlook.com or Office 365 web) also supports add-ins, but the process is different. Here is how to manage them.
Step 1: Open Outlook On The Web
Go to Outlook.com or your Office 365 portal and sign in. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.
Step 2: View All Outlook Settings
At the bottom of the Settings pane, click View all Outlook settings. A new window will open.
Step 3: Go To Mail > Customize Actions
In the left menu, expand Mail, then click Customize actions. Scroll down to the “Add-ins” section.
Step 4: Manage Your Add-Ins
You will see a list of installed add-ins. Click the three dots (more options) next to any add-in and select Remove or Disable. Some add-ins may have a toggle switch instead.
Step 5: Save Changes
Click Save at the top of the window. Refresh your browser to apply the changes.
Important: Web add-ins are often tied to your Microsoft account, so disabling them here affects all devices signed into that account.
Disabling Specific Add-Ins Like Zoom Or Teams
Some add-ins are notorious for causing slowdowns. Here is how to disable common ones.
Disable Zoom Add-In
Zoom for Outlook often adds a meeting scheduling button. To disable it, follow the Windows steps above and uncheck “Zoom Outlook Add-in” from the COM add-ins list. On Mac, look for “Zoom” in the Add-Ins preferences.
Disable Microsoft Teams Add-In
Teams integration can be heavy. In Windows, go to File > Options > Add-Ins > Manage COM Add-ins, then uncheck “Microsoft Teams Add-in for Outlook.” On Mac, disable it in Outlook Preferences > Add-Ins.
Disable LinkedIn Add-In
LinkedIn’s add-in syncs profile data. Disable it the same way: uncheck “LinkedIn Add-in” in the COM add-ins list. If you use Outlook on the web, remove it from the Add-ins section in Settings.
Using Safe Mode To Troubleshoot Add-In Issues
If Outlook crashes or behaves oddly, starting in safe mode can help you isolate add-in problems. Safe mode loads Outlook without any add-ins.
How To Start Outlook In Safe Mode (Windows)
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type outlook.exe /safe and press Enter. Outlook will open without add-ins. If it runs smoothly, an add-in is likely the issue.
How To Start Outlook In Safe Mode (Mac)
Hold down the Option key while launching Outlook. A dialog will ask if you want to start in safe mode. Click Continue.
Once in safe mode, you can disable add-ins using the methods above. Then restart Outlook normally.
Disabling Add-Ins Via Registry Editor (Advanced)
For stubborn add-ins that do not appear in the options menu, you can disable them via the Windows Registry. This is for advanced users only. Back up your registry first.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Addins (or 15.0 for older versions).
Step 2: Locate The Add-In
Each add-in has a subkey named after its GUID or name. Look for the one you want to disable.
Step 3: Change The LoadBehavior Value
Double-click the LoadBehavior value. Change it to 2 (disable on startup) or 0 (completely disabled). Click OK and restart Outlook.
Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Only do this if you are comfortable with advanced troubleshooting.
Disabling Add-Ins Via Group Policy (For IT Admins)
If you manage multiple computers, Group Policy can disable add-ins for all users. This requires Windows Pro or Enterprise editions.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Outlook 2016 > Miscellaneous.
Step 2: Configure Add-In List
Find the policy “List of managed add-ins.” Enable it and add the add-in’s CLSID or ProgID. Set the value to 0 (disable) or 1 (enable).
This method forces settings across your organization, preventing users from re-enabling problematic add-ins.
Common Add-In Problems And Fixes
Sometimes add-ins cause issues even after disabling. Here are quick fixes.
- Add-in not appearing in list: Try repairing Office via Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft Office > Change > Quick Repair.
- Add-in re-enables itself: Check if it is managed by Group Policy or a third-party installer. Remove the program that installed it.
- Outlook still slow after disabling: Disable all add-ins temporarily. If performance improves, enable them one by one to find the culprit.
- Error message about add-in: Note the add-in name and disable it. If the error persists, run a repair on Office.
Best Practices For Managing Outlook Add-Ins
Keep your Outlook running smoothly with these tips.
- Only install add-ins you actually use. Remove or disable the rest.
- Regularly review your add-ins list. Unused add-ins accumulate over time.
- Update add-ins to their latest versions. Outdated add-ins can cause conflicts.
- Use the “Manage” dropdown to check for other add-in types like Exchange or Outlook Web App.
- If you use multiple devices, disable add-ins on each device separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Disable All Outlook Add-ins At Once?
You cannot disable all at once through the UI. The fastest way is to use safe mode (outlook.exe /safe) to start without add-ins, then manually disable them one by one. Alternatively, use the registry method to change LoadBehavior for multiple add-ins, but that is time-consuming.
Will Disabling An Add-in Delete My Data?
No, disabling an add-in only stops it from loading. Your emails, contacts, and calendar data remain untouched. The add-in itself is still installed, just inactive.
Why Can’t I Disable A Specific Add-in?
Some add-ins are required by your organization or are part of the core Outlook installation. For example, the “Microsoft Exchange Add-in” cannot be disabled. If an add-in is grayed out, it may be managed by Group Policy or a system administrator.
How Do I Re-enable An Add-in After Disabling It?
Follow the same steps to go to the add-ins list, then check the box next to the add-in you want to re-enable. Restart Outlook. For registry changes, set LoadBehavior back to 3 (load on startup).
Does Disabling Add-ins Affect Outlook On Mobile?
No, add-ins in the desktop or web version do not affect the Outlook mobile app. Mobile add-ins are managed separately through the app’s settings.
Final Thoughts On Managing Add-Ins
Learning how to disable Outlook add ins is a simple skill that can save you hours of frustration. Whether you use Windows, Mac, or the web, the process is quick and reversible. Start by disabling the add-ins you do not recognize or use, then test Outlook’s performance. If you still have issues, try safe mode or advanced methods like the registry. Remember, a leaner Outlook is a faster Outlook. Take a few minutes today to clean up your add-ins, and you will notice the difference immediately.
If you run into trouble, refer back to this guide or check Microsoft’s official support pages. Most add-in problems are easy to fix once you know where to look. Happy emailing!