Disabling unnecessary plugins is a great way to make your Outlook start faster, run more reliably, take less memory. In Outlook 2010 and 2013 Add-ins are listed under “File Tab->Options->Addins”.
To Disable Outlook 2016, 2013 and Outlook 2010 COM Add-ins
- Select “COM Add-ins” in the Manage drop-down at the bottom of the “Options->Addins” window and click “Go”. Note: To get to the Options window, click on the File tab first.
- Uncheck any add-ins that you are not using.
- Click OK.
Do not forget to restart Outlook for changes to take effect.
See more tips on improving Outlook performance and stability.
If you are using an older version of Outlook, see:
How to find and disable addins in Outlook 2007
How to find and disable addins in Outlook 2003
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Hey – thanks so much for this information. Disabling the COM Add-ins seems to have cleared up my performance issues with Outlook 2010.
regards,
Ada Lai
Outlook tells me that I have to be an Administrator to remove the plugs-ins. I AM AN ADMINISTRATOR!!!!!!!!!! Now whatr do I do?
Jeff – see this article for one potential reason and a workaround – http://blog.techhit.com/?p=37
Right-click on the Outlook.exe icon and then choose ‘Run as Administrator’.
Potentially could require you to hold down your left Shift key, then perform right-click action.
Near the bottom is a drop down menu with the word Go next to it. Change it to COM Add-ins & hit Go. Unchecking boxes may help your outlook work correctly.
This doesn’t disable the add-in (i.e. it doesn’t put it into the Disabled COM Add-ins list), it only makes them inactive. There’s a difference.
Scott – you are right, Outlook will show the add-in the “inactive” section. The add-in will be disabled in a sense that Outlook will not load it.
Hi Scott/TechHit,
How can you put it into the disabled list? I’m trying to demonstrate for a user video how to move the software out of the Disabled List (not Inactive list) but can’t put it in there in the first place!
Thank you,
There is no easy way to make an add-in disabled on purpose.
You could try to find a badly written add-in that crashes. Or you could try to corrupt your PST file (by making it too big), then Outlook will start crashing and blaming/disabling add-ins.
When I choose com add-ins, I get the message :file not found. Can’t change add-ins. Went in as administrator and Outlook moved several add-ins to inactive that i did not want moved. Cant get into anything on the add-in page – same message – file not found. What file? How can I fix it?
Thank you so much for the information to disable HP Instant PIM addin. CompUSA, and many other places,, either couldn’t figure out what to do, wanted me to pay a sizeable diagnostic and repair fee or wanted me to totally reload Outlook. Your information to disable Outlook 2010 Add-ins was spot on, took only a few minutes to do and worked perfectly.
Hi,
we have an issue with one user mailbox.. when user open outlook its automatically closed… below are steps we tested..
1)tried on diffferent PC & laptop – Issue not resolved
2)Moved the user mailbox to different Databases – Issue not resolved
3)tried varies outlook / switch command : – Issue not resolved
@ outlook.exe /resetnavpane
@ outlook.exe /nopreview
@ outlook.exe /safe
@ outlook.exe /safe:3
4) disabled the Add-Ins – Issue not resolved
5) increased the user mailbox Size limit. – Issue not resolved
any other way to resolve this issue..
That sounds like a good questions for Microsoft Support. https://support.microsoft.com/
Will not let me disable add ins because it needs administrator. I am the only one using this computer.
The instruction is “Select “COM Add-ins” in the Manage drop-down at the bottom of the “Options->Addins” window and click “Go”. Note: To get to the Options window, click on the File tab first.” I can’t get into outlook in the first place, how am I supposed to get to this COM Add-ins and do what you are advising? I’m running windows 8 and Office 2013, I’m getting the Microsoft Outlook has stopped working Message and the only option is to close program. I’ve run OffCAT and it’s telling me I have an ADD-in issue. Any help would be appreciated.
You should be able to start Outlook in safe mode.
In addition to add-ins, check your Outlook data files for corruption (see first two sections).
Thank You, your answer was spot on, it let me inactivate Teamviewer add-on that wasn’t supported in Office365.
Search function in Outlook 2016 has stopped working. I have tried every solution posted on different sites, Re-indexed, ensured data files not corrupted, checked the add ins, Widows Search email indexer was disabled, re started outlook as administrator, went into com ad ins, and enabled the Windows Search email indexer, pressed OK, and restarted outlook, Windows Search email indexer still remains disabled, and search function still not working.
It is driving me nuts, If anyone can help, I would truly appreciate it.
Windows search indexer is meant to be disabled in Outlook… it’s a holdover from Office 2010 that must be needed for something, but I’m not sure what.
Have you enabled File Contents search for .ost and .pst files in the advanced settings of the indexer? If not:
Control Panel -> Indexing Options – Advanced – File Types ->
quickly press O S T, ensure it’s set to Index Properties and File Contents
quickly press P S T, ensure it’s set to the same
-> Index Settings – Rebuild – OK