Fix Azure DevOps Excel Add-In tfofficeshim.connect.16 Disabled Error
Question details
The Azure DevOps add-in (tfofficeshim.connect.16) is repeatedly disabled by Excel following a software update, despite attempts to reinstall it or rebuild the Windows user profile.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel / Azure DevOps Add-in
- Device & OS
- 64-bit Windows 10 Enterprise 21H2
- Scenario
- Using the Azure DevOps Team Foundation add-in to manage data in Excel after a recent Office update.
- Observed behavior
- Excel reports issues with the add-in and recommends disabling it or checking for updates. Reinstalling the add-in and rebuilding the user profile only offer temporary fixes.
Before attempting to re-enable the add-in, verify that both Microsoft Office and your Azure DevOps integration components are updated to their latest versions to prevent repeated compatibility crashes.
Re-enable the Add-in and Apply Component Updates
This solution forces Excel to re-enable the blocked DevOps add-in and ensures you have the latest compatibility patches from Microsoft.
Excel automatically disables add-ins that cause slow performance or unexpected crashes. Because this issue emerged after an Office update, ensuring both the Office suite and Azure DevOps tools are running their latest versions is the critical first step before re-enabling the plugin.
Open Excel, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu pane.
In the Excel Options window, click on 'Add-ins' on the left sidebar. At the bottom of the screen, change the 'Manage' dropdown menu to 'Disabled Items' and click 'Go'.
Select the 'tfofficeshim.connect.16' entry from the disabled list and click 'Enable'. Restart Excel.
Navigate to File > Account in Excel and click 'Update Options' > 'Update Now' to ensure Office is current. Do the same for your Visual Studio and Azure DevOps integration tools.
Seek Dedicated Azure DevOps Support
Since community resources for advanced DevOps add-ins are limited, contacting the dedicated developer team is required for complex, unpatched compatibility bugs.
Need a Reliable and Lightweight Office Suite?
If complex add-ins and heavy background updates in Microsoft Office frequently disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, fast, and highly compatible alternative to easily handle your daily spreadsheet tasks without the bloat.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to get the free, lightweight installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software suite.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and immediately open your existing data files to continue your work without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tfofficeshim.connect.16 add-in used for in Excel?
This add-in acts as an integration bridge between Microsoft Excel and Azure DevOps (or Team Foundation Server). It allows users to import, bulk-edit, and publish work items directly from an Excel spreadsheet to their DevOps project.
Why does Excel keep disabling my Azure DevOps add-in automatically?
Excel has a built-in resiliency feature that automatically disables any add-in that causes the application to load slowly, hang, or crash. This frequently happens when a background Office software update introduces a compatibility conflict with an older version of the add-in.
Does rebuilding my Windows user profile permanently fix Excel add-in errors?
Not always. Rebuilding the Windows user profile clears corrupted configuration files and registry entries, which can temporarily resolve the error. However, if the underlying compatibility issue between Office and the DevOps add-in remains unpatched, the error will eventually return.
Where can I find and manage my disabled add-ins in Excel?
You can view disabled add-ins by opening Excel, clicking 'File', selecting 'Options', and navigating to the 'Add-ins' tab on the left. At the bottom of the window, select 'Disabled Items' from the 'Manage' dropdown menu and click 'Go'.
