Fix EndNote 20 Compatibility Issues in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user needs to resolve compatibility issues preventing EndNote 20 from working within Microsoft 365 and determine if the root cause is the Microsoft Office environment or the third-party add-in itself.

- Product
- Microsoft 365 and EndNote 20
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to use the EndNote 20 citation and referencing tool within Microsoft 365 applications such as Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- EndNote 20 fails to load or function correctly with Microsoft 365, preventing the user from inserting or managing citations in their documents.
Ensure that your Microsoft 365 applications are fully updated and verify that you have the latest patch installed for EndNote 20 before attempting to reconfigure the add-in.
Contact Clarivate Support for EndNote Assistance
Since EndNote is a third-party add-in developed by Clarivate, the most effective way to resolve persistent compatibility issues is through their dedicated support channels.
Microsoft Community has limited resources for troubleshooting third-party plugins. Clarivate maintains a comprehensive knowledge base specifically for EndNote integration with Microsoft 365.
Navigate to the official Clarivate Support website using your web browser.
Enter 'EndNote 20 Microsoft 365 compatibility' into the search bar to find official patches and troubleshooting guides.
If the articles do not resolve your issue, use the 'Contact Us' or 'Submit a Ticket' button to get direct assistance from an EndNote specialist.

Re-enable the EndNote Add-in in Word
Sometimes Microsoft 365 disables third-party add-ins automatically to improve startup performance. Manually re-enabling it can resolve the issue.
Try WPS Office for Your Document Needs
If Microsoft 365 add-in compatibility issues are slowing down your research and writing process, consider switching to WPS Office. As a lightweight, highly compatible, and free office suite, it effortlessly handles complex document formatting and daily productivity tasks without heavy resource demands.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Open: Run the installer, open WPS Writer, and load your existing .docx files directly without converting them.
- 3. Use Built-in Reference Tools: Navigate to the 'References' tab on the ribbon to easily insert footnotes, endnotes, and citations without needing external add-ins.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the EndNote 20 tab missing in Microsoft Word?
The EndNote COM add-in may have been disabled by Word for performance reasons. You can re-enable it by navigating to File > Options > Add-ins, selecting COM Add-ins from the Manage dropdown, and checking the EndNote box.
Does Microsoft provide official support for EndNote 20?
No. EndNote 20 is a third-party software product developed by Clarivate. Microsoft can only offer basic assistance regarding how Word interacts with COM add-ins in general.
Can I use EndNote with WPS Office?
While EndNote is primarily optimized as a plugin for Microsoft Word, WPS Office comes equipped with its own robust, built-in referencing and citation management tools found under the References tab.
Is Microsoft 365 compatible with older versions of EndNote?
Microsoft 365 receives continuous updates which can break compatibility with older software. It is highly recommended by Clarivate to use the latest version of EndNote to maintain compatibility with modern Office environments.




