Enable or disable add-ins in Office programs

An add-in is installed functionality that adds custom commands and new features to 2007 Microsoft Office system programs. Add-ins can be for various types of new or updated features that increase your productivity. This article describes how to view and manage the add-ins for your Office programs.

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In this article

View the installed add-ins

Turn off or manage the installed add-ins

What do I do if I get a message that the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE cannot be changed?

Identifying custom buttons and controls added to the Ribbon from add-ins

How can the Trust Center help to protect me from unsafe add-ins?

What should I do when a security warning asks if I want to enable or disable an add-in or application extension?

View or change the add-in security settings

View the installed add-ins

When you install the 2007 Microsoft Office system, several add-ins are installed and registered automatically on your computer.

Which 2007 Microsoft Office system program are you using?

Word

Word

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click Word Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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Outlook

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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Access

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click Access Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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Excel

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click Excel Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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InfoPath

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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PowerPoint

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click PowerPoint Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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Publisher

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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Visio

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. View the add-ins and application extensions that are categorized as follows:

   • Active Application Add-ins     Lists the extensions that are registered and currently running in your Office program.

   • Inactive Application Add-ins     Lists the add-ins that are present on your computer but are not currently loaded. For example, smart tags or XML Schemas are active only when the document that references them is open. Another example is the COM add-ins that are listed in the COM Add-ins dialog box. If the check box for a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box for a COM add-in is cleared, the add-in is inactive. To learn how to open the COM Add-in dialog box, see the section called Turn off or manage the installed add-ins.

   • Document Related Add-ins     Lists template files that are referenced by currently open documents.

   • Disabled Application Add-ins     Lists add-ins that were automatically disabled because they are causing Office programs to crash.

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Turn off or manage the installed add-ins

Managing add-ins can involve enabling or disabling an add-in, adding or removing an add-in, and making an add-in active or inactive.

For information about how to enable add-ins that were disabled by the Trust Center security system, see the next two sections.

Which 2007 Microsoft Office system program are you using?

Word

Word

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click Word Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

Note: Add-ins of type Document Inspector are enabled using a different method. These add-ins are automatically enabled when you inspect the document for hidden metadata or personal information. To inspect your document, click the Microsoft Office Button , click Prepare, and then click Inspect Document.

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Outlook

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

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Access

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click Access Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

Note: Add-ins of type Document Inspector are enabled using a different method. These add-ins are automatically enabled when you inspect the document for hidden metadata or personal information. To inspect your document, click the Microsoft Office Button , click Prepare, and then click Inspect Document.

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Excel

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click Excel Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

Note: Add-ins of type Document Inspector are enabled using a different method. These add-ins are automatically enabled when you inspect the document for hidden metadata or personal information. To inspect your document, click the Microsoft Office Button , click Prepare, and then click Inspect Document.

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InfoPath

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

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PowerPoint

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , click PowerPoint Options, and then click Add-Ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

Note: Add-ins of type Document Inspector are enabled using a different method. These add-ins are automatically enabled when you inspect the document for hidden metadata or personal information. To inspect your document, click the Microsoft Office Button , click Prepare, and then click Inspect Document.

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Publisher

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

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Visio

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center, and then click Add-ins.

2. In the Add-ins box, identify the add-in that you want to enable or disable and note the Add-in type located in the Type column.

3. Select the Add-in type in the Manage box and then click Go.

4. Select or clear the check box for the Add-in that you want enable or disable and then click OK.

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What do I do if I get a message that the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE cannot be changed?

If you try to disable an add-in and receive the message, "The connected state of Office Add-Ins registered in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE cannot be changed", do the following:

Which operating system are you using?

Windows Vista

Windows XP

Windows Vista

1. Close Outlook, if you have it open.

2. Verify that the Outlook service is not running by doing the following:

   • Right-click the taskbar, click Task Manager, and then click Processes.

   • Look for OUTLOOK.EXE in the processes list:

     • If OUTLOOK.EXE is not in the list, go to step 3.

     • If OUTLOOK.EXE is in the list, click it, and then click End Process.

3. Start Outlook in administrator mode by doing the following:

   • Right-click the Outlook icon on the Quick Launch toolbar (located next to the Windows Start button), and then click Run as administrator.

     Outlook is not on my Quick Launch toolbar

     Click Start, click All Programs, and then click Microsoft Office. Right-click Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, and then click Add to Quick Launch.

4. Disable the add-ins you want to disable following the steps in the Turn off or manage the installed add-ins section in this article.

5. Close Outlook.

6. Open Outlook but not in administrator mode.

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Windows XP

1. Close Outlook, if you have it open.

2. Verify that the Outlook service is not running by doing the following:

   • Right-click the taskbar, click Task Manager, and then click Processes.

   • Look for OUTLOOK.EXE in the processes list:

     • If OUTLOOK.EXE is not in the list, go to step 3.

     • If OUTLOOK.EXE is in the list, click it, and then click End Process.

3. Start Outlook in administrator mode by doing the following:

   • If you are not logged on to Windows XP as an administrator, log off Windows XP, and then log on as an administrator.

   • Open Outlook, and then disable the add-ins you want to disable following the steps in the Turn off or manage the installed add-ins section in this article.

4. Close Outlook.

5. Log off Windows XP, and then log on with your usual user account.

6. Open Outlook.

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Identifying custom buttons and controls added to the Ribbon from add-ins

Add-ins and documents can add custom buttons and controls to the Ribbon, which is part of the Microsoft Office Fluent user interface. All custom controls in the Office Fluent Ribbon have a special ScreenTip that identifies the origin of the control. In this example, the control comes from RXDemo.xlsm, and is identified in the control's ScreenTip.

This way, you know where the custom controls are coming from and can then remove or update the document, global template, or COM add-in that is presenting the control. See the previous section to learn how to view installed COM add-ins.

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How can the Trust Center help to protect me from unsafe add-ins?

By default, installed and registered add-ins are allowed to run without notification. Add-ins can be exploited by hackers to do malicious harm, such as spreading a virus, so you can use the security settings for add-ins to change this behavior. For more information, see View or change the add-in security settings later in this article.

If you or your administrator set a higher security setting for add-ins and the Trust Center detects a potentially unsafe add-in that does not meet these criteria, the Trust Center disables the code by default, and the Message Bar appears to notify you of a potentially unsafe add-in or application extension.

If you click Options on the Message Bar, a security dialog box opens, giving you the option to enable the add-in. See the next section for how to make a secure decision before you click an option.

Note: In Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 and Microsoft Office Publisher 2007, security alerts appear in dialog boxes, not in the Message Bar. By default, Office Outlook 2007 allows any installed add-in to run. To change the default setting, see View or change the add-in security settings.

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What should I do when a security warning asks if I want to enable or disable an add-in or application extension?

When a security dialog box appears, you can enable the add-in for just the current session by clicking Enable this add-in for this session only, or you can leave it disabled. You should enable the add-in only if you are sure it is from a trustworthy source.

Alternately, you can explicitly trust the publisher by clicking Enable all code published by this publisher. Doing so enables the add-in and allows any software by that publisher to be always trusted.

Microsoft Office Outlook

In Office Outlook 2007, when the security dialog box appears, you can enable the add-in for just the current session by clicking Enable Application Add-in, or you can leave it disabled. You should enable the add-in only if you are sure it is from a trustworthy source.

Alternately, you can explicitly trust the publisher by clicking Trust all documents from this publisher. Doing so enables the add-in and allows any software by that publisher to be always trusted.

For more information about trusted publishers, see Add, remove, or view a trusted publisher.

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View or change the add-in security settings

When you change an add-in security setting, it affects only the program in which the change was made. Do the following in these 2007 Microsoft Office system programs:

Which 2007 Microsoft Office system program are you using?

Access

Access

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Access Options.

2. Click Trust Center, click Trust Center Settings, and then click Add-ins.

3. Click the options that you want. These settings are not selected by default unless you work in an organization and your information technology (IT) administrator changed the defaults by using an administrator policy.

   • Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher Select this option if you want the Trust Center to check for a digital signature on the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in. If the publisher has not been trusted, the Office program does not load the add-in, and the Message Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

   • Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled) This check box is available only if you select the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher check box. In some situations, the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in might be unsigned. In these cases, add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled silently.

   • Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality) Select this check box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in check boxes are made unavailable.

     Note: This setting takes effect only after you exit and restart your Office program.

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Excel

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Excel Options.

2. Click Trust Center, click Trust Center Settings, and then click Add-ins.

3. Click the options that you want. These settings are not selected by default unless you work in an organization and your information technology (IT) administrator changed the defaults by using an administrator policy.

   • Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher Select this option if you want the Trust Center to check for a digital signature on the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in. If the publisher has not been trusted, the Office program does not load the add-in, and the Message Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

   • Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled) This check box is available only if you select the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher check box. In some situations, the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in might be unsigned. In these cases, add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled silently.

   • Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality) Select this check box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in check boxes are made unavailable.

     Note: This setting takes effect only after you exit and restart your Office program.

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InfoPath

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center.

2. Click Add-ins.

3. Click the options that you want. These settings are not selected by default unless you work in an organization and your information technology (IT) administrator changed the defaults by using an administrator policy.

   • Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher Select this option if you want the Trust Center to check for a digital signature on the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in. If the publisher has not been trusted, the Office program does not load the add-in, and the Message Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

   • Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled) This check box is available only if you select the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher check box. In some situations, the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in might be unsigned. In these cases, add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled silently.

   • Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality) Select this check box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in check boxes are made unavailable.

     Note: This setting takes effect only after you exit and restart your Office program.

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Outlook

By default, Outlook allows any installed add-in to run. You can restrict Outlook to run only those add-ins that are digitally signed by applying the Warnings for signed macros; all unsigned macros are disabled setting to add-ins, as follows:

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center.

2. In the left pane, click Macro Security.

3. Click Warnings for signed macros; all unsigned macros are disabled.

4. In the left pane, click Add-ins.

5. Select the Apply macro security settings to installed add-ins check box.

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PowerPoint

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click PowerPoint Options.

2. Click Trust Center, click Trust Center Settings, and then click Add-ins.

3. Click the options that you want. These settings are not selected by default unless you work in an organization and your information technology (IT) administrator changed the defaults by using an administrator policy.

   • Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher Select this option if you want the Trust Center to check for a digital signature on the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in. If the publisher has not been trusted, the Office program does not load the add-in, and the Message Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

   • Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled) This check box is available only if you select the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher check box. In some situations, the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in might be unsigned. In these cases, add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled silently.

   • Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality) Select this check box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in check boxes are made unavailable.

     Note: This setting takes effect only after you exit and restart your Office program.

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Publisher

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center.

2. Click Add-ins.

3. Click the options that you want. These settings are not selected by default unless you work in an organization and your information technology (IT) administrator changed the defaults by using an administrator policy.

   • Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher Select this option if you want the Trust Center to check for a digital signature on the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in. If the publisher has not been trusted, the Office program does not load the add-in, and the Message Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

   • Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled) This check box is available only if you select the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher check box. In some situations, the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in might be unsigned. In these cases, add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled silently.

   • Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality) Select this check box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in check boxes are made unavailable.

     Note: This setting takes effect only after you exit and restart your Office program.

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Visio

1. On the Tools menu, click Trust Center.

2. Click Add-ins.

3. Click the options that you want. These settings are not selected by default unless you work in an organization and your information technology (IT) administrator changed the defaults by using an administrator policy.

   • Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher Select this option if you want the Trust Center to check for a digital signature on the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in. If the publisher has not been trusted, the Office program does not load the add-in, and the Message Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

   • Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled) This check box is available only if you select the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher check box. In some situations, the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in might be unsigned. In these cases, add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled silently.

   • Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality) Select this check box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in check boxes are made unavailable.

     Note: This setting takes effect only after you exit and restart your Office program.

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Word

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Word Options.

2. Click Trust Center, click Trust Center Settings, and then click Add-ins.

3. Click the options that you want. These settings are not selected by default unless you work in an organization and your information technology (IT) administrator changed the defaults by using an administrator policy.

   • Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher Select this option if you want the Trust Center to check for a digital signature on the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in. If the publisher has not been trusted, the Office program does not load the add-in, and the Message Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

   • Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled) This check box is available only if you select the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher check box. In some situations, the dynamic-link library (.dll) file that contains the add-in might be unsigned. In these cases, add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled silently.

   • Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality) Select this check box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in check boxes are made unavailable.

     Note: This setting takes effect only after you exit and restart your Office program.

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Last updated 2015-6-02