How to Fix an Office 2016 Add-In That Is Inactive and Missing from the Ribbon
Question details
The user needs to resolve an Office 2016 add-in that appears in the installed add-ins list but remains inactive and is missing from the ribbon.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows Server 2019
- Scenario
- The user manages an Office 2016 add-in in a Windows Server environment and wants the add-in to load and appear on the ribbon.
- Observed behavior
- The add-in is listed as installed but is inactive and absent from the toolbar/ribbon.
Before changing add-in settings, confirm the add-in is compatible with your Office 2016 version and Windows Server build, and note the exact add-in name and load behavior shown under File > Options > Add-ins.
Check and enable the add-in under Office Add-ins settings
Use this first when the add-in is installed but disabled or not loaded by the current Office application.
An Office add-in can be listed in the installed add-ins list but remain disabled for the active document, user profile, or application. The Manage drop-down controls which add-in category you view, so selecting the correct category is essential.
In the affected Office application, click File and then click Options. In the Options dialog, select Add-ins.
At the bottom of the dialog, open the Manage drop-down list, choose COM Add-ins or the relevant add-in type, and click Go.
In the add-in list, check the box next to the add-in, click OK, and then restart the Office application to see whether it appears on the ribbon.
Confirm Windows Server compatibility and use Microsoft business support
Use this when the add-in is correctly enabled but remains inactive on a Windows Server deployment or requires administrative troubleshooting.
Switch from Office 2016 Add-In Troubles to WPS Office Free
If Office add-in activation is disrupting your work, WPS Office gives you a free, lightweight Office alternative with familiar ribbon-style tools and strong Microsoft Office format compatibility, so you can open, edit, and share documents without complex add-in and server troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Office 2016 add-in appear installed but stay inactive and missing from the ribbon?
This usually means the add-in is disabled in the current Office application or is not compatible with your Office version and Windows Server installation. Check File > Options > Add-ins, choose the correct add-in type from Manage, click Go, and verify whether the add-in is checked.
How do I enable a COM add-in in Office 2016?
Open File > Options > Add-ins. In the Manage drop-down, select COM Add-ins, click Go, check the target add-in, click OK, and restart the Office application.
Where should I report an Office add-in issue on Windows Server?
Post the issue in the Excel IT Pro forum or Microsoft business support forum with the add-in name, Office 2016 version, Windows Server build, and the load behavior shown in File > Options > Add-ins.
Can WPS Office run my Microsoft Office COM add-ins?
WPS Office is not designed to run every Microsoft COM/VSTO add-in, but it provides built-in tools and supports Microsoft Office file formats for most daily spreadsheet, document, and presentation tasks.
