Fix Office Store Add-Ins Cannot Be Started in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user is unable to start any Office Store add-ins, such as MathType, in Microsoft 365, even though traditional COM add-ins continue to work normally.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch or utilize web-based add-ins downloaded directly from the official Office Store within Microsoft 365 applications.
- Observed behavior
- Office Store add-ins fail to start or load their web interfaces, while COM add-ins installed by local desktop applications like EndNote and Adobe Acrobat function without any issues.
Ensure your device has an active and stable internet connection, as Office Store add-ins require web access to load their components and authenticate your Microsoft 365 session.
Update System Components and WebView2
Office web add-ins rely heavily on Microsoft Edge WebView2 and the latest system updates to render properly. Updating these components resolves most loading failures.
Unlike traditional COM add-ins, modern Office Store add-ins are essentially web applications hosted inside Office. This means they are dependent on browser technologies provided by your operating system, specifically WebView2.
Open your Windows Settings menu, navigate to 'Windows Update', and click 'Check for updates' to install the latest system patches and security fixes.
Launch Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner, hover over 'Help and feedback', and select 'About Microsoft Edge' to force an automatic update check.
Visit the official Microsoft download portal, download the latest version of the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, and run the installer to repair any missing or corrupted web rendering components.
Verify Organization Administrator Policies
If you are logged in with a work or school account, strict security policies set by your IT department may be blocking Office Store add-ins from launching.
Install the Standalone Desktop Add-In
For tools like MathType, bypassing the Office Store entirely and installing the traditional desktop version can circumvent web-component and account permission issues.
Use WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience
If troubleshooting WebView2 dependencies and complex Microsoft 365 account permissions is slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It delivers a lightweight, straightforward document editing environment with native equation editors and high format compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open your files instantly: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft 365 documents natively, with no formatting loss or complicated configurations required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do traditional COM add-ins work while Office Store add-ins fail?
COM add-ins are locally installed programs that integrate directly into the desktop application's core framework. In contrast, Office Store add-ins are essentially web applications that rely on active internet connections, browser components like WebView2, and Microsoft 365 server authentication, making them more susceptible to failing if any of these elements encounter issues.
How do I repair my Microsoft 365 installation if add-ins still will not start?
You can perform an Online Repair by opening the Windows Control Panel, navigating to 'Programs and Features', finding your Microsoft 365 installation in the list, clicking 'Change', and then selecting 'Online Repair'. This process redownloads and fixes corrupted internal components.
Can using a pirated version of Office cause Store add-ins to break?
Yes. Unofficial or pirated installations of Microsoft Office lack the necessary licensing checks, web services, and update streams required to authenticate your session with the Microsoft Store, which will inherently cause web-based add-ins to fail.
How can I continue working with MathType if the Store add-in remains broken?
You do not have to rely on the Office Store version. You can visit the official Wiris website, download the traditional desktop version of MathType, and install it on your computer. It will function as a highly stable COM add-in independent of WebView2 dependencies.
