Outlook add-ins can slow down your email client and cause unexpected errors during daily use. If you are wondering how to remove add ins from outlook, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every method, from the simplest to the most advanced, so you can restore Outlook’s speed and stability.
Add-ins are small programs that integrate with Outlook to provide extra features, like calendar tools or email tracking. But too many of them—or a faulty one—can make Outlook crash, freeze, or take forever to load. Removing them is often the quickest fix.
In this article, you will learn multiple ways to disable or delete add-ins. We cover Windows and Mac versions, plus web-based Outlook. Follow the steps that match your setup, and you will be done in minutes.
Why Remove Add-Ins From Outlook?
Add-ins are meant to help, but they can cause problems. Here are common reasons to remove them:
- Outlook runs slowly or takes long to start
- You see frequent error messages or crashes
- An add-in is outdated or no longer needed
- You want to improve security or privacy
- You are troubleshooting a specific issue
Removing add-ins is safe. It does not delete your emails, contacts, or calendar data. It only removes the extra software that hooks into Outlook.
How To Remove Add Ins From Outlook (Desktop Version)
This is the most common method for Windows users. It works for Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.
Step 1: Open Outlook And Go To File
Launch Outlook on your computer. Click the File tab in the top-left corner. This opens the backstage view.
Step 2: Access Options
In the left sidebar, click Options. A new window will appear with many settings categories.
Step 3: Find Add-Ins
In the Options window, click Add-Ins from the left menu. You will see a list of all active and inactive add-ins. The list is sorted by type, such as COM add-ins, Exchange Client Extensions, or Outlook Add-ins.
Step 4: Manage COM Add-Ins
At the bottom of the window, there is a dropdown labeled Manage. Select COM Add-ins from the list and click Go…. This opens a smaller dialog box.
Step 5: Uncheck Or Remove Add-Ins
In the COM Add-ins dialog, you will see checkboxes next to each add-in. To disable an add-in temporarily, uncheck its box. To remove it permanently, select the add-in name and click Remove. Confirm if prompted.
Repeat this for any add-in you want to get rid of. Click OK when done.
Step 6: Restart Outlook
Close and reopen Outlook. The changes take effect immediately. Your email client should feel faster and more stable.
How To Remove Add Ins From Outlook Using The Control Panel
Some add-ins are installed as separate programs. You can uninstall them from Windows itself.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and open it. Select Programs and Features (or Uninstall a program).
Step 2: Find The Add-In Program
Look through the list for programs related to Outlook add-ins. Common names include “Zoom for Outlook,” “Evernote for Outlook,” or “Adobe Acrobat Add-in.”
Step 3: Uninstall
Right-click the program and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions. This removes the add-in completely from your system.
Note: This method works best for add-ins that were installed via a standalone installer, not through the Office Store.
Remove Add-Ins From Outlook Web (Outlook On The Web)
If you use Outlook in a browser, the process is different but still simple.
Step 1: Open Outlook On The Web
Go to outlook.com or your work email portal. Log in if needed.
Step 2: Click The Settings Gear
In the top-right corner, click the gear icon. Then select View all Outlook settings at the bottom of the panel.
Step 3: Go To Mail > Customize Actions
In the settings window, click Mail on the left, then Customize actions. Scroll down to the Add-ins section.
Step 4: Manage Add-Ins
Click Manage add-ins. You will see a list of installed add-ins. Next to each one, click the three dots (more options) and select Remove. Confirm the action.
This removes the add-in from your web version only. It does not affect your desktop Outlook.
How To Remove Add Ins From Outlook On Mac
Outlook for Mac has a different interface. Here is how to remove add-ins on macOS.
Step 1: Open Outlook And Go To Preferences
Launch Outlook. In the top menu bar, click Outlook and then Preferences.
Step 2: Select Add-Ins
In the Preferences window, click Add-ins. You will see a list of all installed add-ins.
Step 3: Disable Or Remove
To disable an add-in, uncheck the box next to it. To remove it completely, select the add-in and click the minus (-) button. Confirm if asked.
Restart Outlook for the changes to take effect.
Remove Add-Ins Using The Registry (Advanced)
If an add-in refuses to uninstall normally, you can remove it from the Windows Registry. Be careful—editing the registry can cause system issues if done wrong.
Step 1: Close Outlook
Make sure Outlook is completely closed. Check the taskbar to ensure no processes are running.
Step 2: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
Step 3: Navigate To The Add-In Key
Go to this path (copy and paste into the address bar):
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Outlook\Addins
You will see folders named after add-ins. Each folder contains the add-in’s settings.
Step 4: Delete The Add-In Key
Right-click the folder for the add-in you want to remove and select Delete. Confirm the deletion.
Close Registry Editor and restart Outlook. The add-in should be gone.
Warning: Only delete keys you are sure belong to the add-in. Deleting the wrong key can break Outlook.
How To Remove Add Ins From Outlook Using Safe Mode
Safe mode starts Outlook without any add-ins. This helps you identify which add-in is causing trouble.
Step 1: Start Outlook In Safe Mode
Press Windows + R, type outlook.exe /safe, and press Enter. Outlook will open with a message saying it is in safe mode.
Step 2: Disable Add-Ins
Go to File > Options > Add-Ins as described earlier. Uncheck all add-ins and restart Outlook normally. Then re-enable add-ins one by one to find the problem.
Step 3: Remove The Culprit
Once you identify the problematic add-in, remove it using the methods above.
Common Add-In Types And How To Handle Them
Not all add-ins are the same. Here is a quick breakdown:
- COM Add-ins: Most common. Managed via File > Options > Add-Ins.
- Exchange Client Extensions: Rare. Usually removed via the same COM add-ins dialog.
- Outlook Add-ins (Office Store): Installed from the store. Removed via the web or desktop settings.
- Legacy Add-ins: Older programs. Uninstall via Control Panel.
If you are unsure which type you have, check the Type column in the Add-Ins list under File > Options.
What To Do If You Cannot Remove An Add-In
Sometimes an add-in is stubborn. Try these fixes:
- Run Outlook as administrator and try again
- Use the Control Panel uninstall method
- Delete the add-in from the Registry (see above)
- Repair Office from Settings > Apps > Microsoft Office
- Contact your IT department if it is a company-managed add-in
Most add-ins can be removed with patience. If all else fails, a full Office repair may help.
Preventing Add-In Problems In The Future
Once you have cleaned up your add-ins, keep them under control:
- Only install add-ins from trusted sources
- Regularly review your add-in list
- Disable add-ins you rarely use
- Keep Outlook and add-ins updated
- Uninstall add-ins you no longer need
A lean Outlook runs faster and crashes less. Make it a habit to check add-ins every few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Remove Add-ins From Outlook Without Losing Data?
Removing add-ins only deletes the extra software, not your emails or contacts. Your data stays safe. Always close Outlook before uninstalling an add-in program.
Can I Disable Add-ins Temporarily Instead Of Removing Them?
Yes. Uncheck the add-in in the COM Add-ins dialog to disable it. You can re-enable it later by checking the box again. This is useful for testing.
Why Does Outlook Say An Add-in Is Not Loading?
This usually means the add-in is corrupted or incompatible. Try removing it and reinstalling the latest version. If the problem persists, the add-in may be outdated.
How Do I Remove Add-ins From Outlook For All Users On A Computer?
You need administrator rights. Use the Control Panel to uninstall the add-in program, or delete the registry key under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE instead of HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Be careful with registry edits.
What Is The Fastest Way To Remove Multiple Add-ins At Once?
The COM Add-ins dialog lets you uncheck several at once. For permanent removal, uninstall the programs from Control Panel. The registry method is fastest for advanced users.
Now you know exactly how to remove add ins from outlook. Pick the method that fits your situation and clean up your email client today. Your Outlook will thank you with faster load times and fewer errors.