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How to Completely Remove an Excel Add-In in Office 2019
Question details
The user needs to completely remove a specific Excel COM add-in to prepare the system for the installation of an older version.
- Product
- Office Home and Business 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows 11 Pro 23H2
- Scenario
- Uninstalling and clearing the Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Master Data Services Add-in for Excel to downgrade to a previous release.
- Observed behavior
- The add-in must be completely removed from the Excel interface after the user has manually deleted the download files and removed relevant registry keys.
Ensure you have saved all active workbooks and possess administrative privileges on your Windows account, as modifying COM Add-ins may require elevated permissions.
Disable and Remove the COM Add-in via Excel Options
The most effective way to completely clear an installed add-in from your active workspace is to use the built-in Add-ins manager within Excel.
Even if you have deleted the installation files and cleared out registry keys manually, Excel retains a list of configured COM Add-ins. You must uncheck or remove the add-in from the manager to finalize the uninstallation before installing an older version.
Launch Microsoft Excel. Click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Options' at the very bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Excel Options dialog box, click on 'Add-ins' in the left-hand sidebar to view all active and inactive application add-ins.
Navigate to the bottom of the window to the 'Manage' dropdown menu. Select 'COM Add-ins' from the list and click the 'Go...' button next to it.
In the COM Add-ins dialog box, locate the 'Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Master Data Services Add-in'. Clear the check box next to it to disable it, or select it and click 'Remove' to completely delete it from the list. Click 'OK' to apply the changes.
Try WPS Office for a Streamlined Spreadsheet Experience
If complex COM add-in conflicts or sluggish performance in Microsoft Office are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling your spreadsheets seamlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click on 'Download WPS Office Free' to get the installer.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the lightweight installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software in seconds.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and directly open your existing Excel workbooks without losing any formatting or data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an Excel add-in still appear after I deleted its files?
Excel registers COM add-ins in the Windows Registry and its internal configuration files. Deleting the physical files doesn't unregister the add-in from Excel's interface, which is why you must remove it via the COM Add-ins manager.
How do I safely install an older version of an Excel add-in?
First, completely remove the current version using the Excel Add-ins manager and uninstall it from Windows 'Programs and Features'. Restart your computer, run the installer for the older version, then open Excel and verify it is activated in File > Options > Add-ins.
What is the difference between Excel Add-ins and COM Add-ins?
Excel Add-ins (usually .xlam or .xll files) are specific to Excel and provide custom functions or macros. COM Add-ins are broader, often created by developers to interact with multiple Office applications, and require specific registry entries to load.
Can I remove a COM add-in using the Windows Registry?
Yes, COM add-ins can be managed by opening the Registry Editor (regedit) and navigating to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Excel\Addins. However, using Excel's built-in manager is highly recommended to avoid accidental system errors.
