How to Fix Missing Excel 2019 COM Add-In That Won't Uninstall
Question details
An Excel 2019 COM add-in has disappeared from the Ribbon and cannot be repaired or removed via standard Windows Apps and Features.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to use, repair, or uninstall a missing COM add-in in Microsoft Excel 2019.
- Observed behavior
- The add-in is missing from the Excel Ribbon, and standard uninstallation or repair attempts through Windows Apps and Features fail to resolve the issue or remove the software.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer and save all open workbooks before attempting to repair or reinstall Microsoft Office.
Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA)
Run the official Microsoft tool to forcefully remove or repair Office when standard uninstallation fails, which often restores broken add-ins upon reinstallation.
When standard uninstallation through Apps and Features fails, the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) can bypass corrupted registry entries and force a clean removal of the Office suite.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Support website and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA).
Run the downloaded application. When prompted to select the app you are having problems with, choose 'Office' and click Next.
Select the specific issue indicating that you have Office installed, but you cannot uninstall it. Click Next to proceed.
Follow the on-screen prompts to allow the tool to completely wipe the corrupted Office 2019 installation from your system.
Once the tool finishes and your computer restarts, download your Office 2019 installer and perform a fresh installation. Launch Excel to verify that the COM add-in is correctly restored to the Ribbon.
Re-enable the Add-in from Excel Options
Check if the missing COM add-in was simply disabled by Excel due to a crash rather than uninstalled.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Experience
If Microsoft Office errors persist and add-ins refuse to uninstall or function properly, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative without the heavy installation footprint or registry complexities of Microsoft Office.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install Quickly: Run the installer. The lightweight design ensures the process takes only a few minutes with minimal system impact.
- 3. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing Excel files directly, enjoying full compatibility and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Excel COM add-in suddenly disappear from the Ribbon?
This often happens due to a corrupted Office update, registry errors, or the add-in crashing during use, which prompts Excel's security features to automatically disable it to maintain stability.
Can I manually delete a stubborn Excel add-in?
Yes, though it requires caution. You can locate the add-in's installation folder (usually in AppData or Program Files) and delete the files directly, then remove its corresponding registry keys using the Windows Registry Editor.
Does the Microsoft Recovery Assistant delete my personal files?
No, the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant only removes the Office program files, settings, and registry entries. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and data are untouched and will remain intact.
How can I check if my add-in was placed in the Disabled Items list?
Go to File > Options > Add-ins in Excel. In the Manage drop-down at the bottom, select 'Disabled Items' and click Go. If your add-in is listed there, select it and click Enable.
