How to Permanently Remove a Hidden Office Add-In
Question details
The user needs to permanently remove a hidden or stubborn third-party Office add-in to eliminate recurring trust prompts.
- Product
- Microsoft Office
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user deleted an Office add-in, but it was only hidden rather than fully uninstalled, causing trust prompts to persist when opening specific workbooks.
- Observed behavior
- Trust prompts continue to appear during workbook startup due to residual third-party add-in components or active workbook references.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer, as removing third-party add-in files from system folders or the Windows Control Panel requires admin rights.
Remove the Add-in via Office Management Page
Use the built-in Office Add-ins menu to ensure the add-in is completely removed rather than just hidden from your ribbon.
Often, right-clicking an add-in and choosing to hide it does not stop it from running in the background. Removing it through the official management page prevents trust prompts from recurring.
Launch Microsoft Excel or Word. Click on the 'Insert' tab in the top ribbon, then click on 'Get Add-ins' or 'My Add-ins'.
Navigate to the 'My Add-ins' tab in the dialog box that appears. Scroll through the list to find the add-in you wish to remove.
Click the three dots (options menu) in the top right corner of the specific add-in, and select 'Remove'. Restart your Office application to apply the changes.
Clear the Office Startup Folders
Manually delete residual files from the Excel or Word startup folders to prevent the add-in components from loading automatically.
Uninstall Third-Party Add-ins via Windows Settings
For add-ins supplied by third-party developers like Forscale, use the Windows uninstaller to remove all background components.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
Struggling with stubborn add-ins and lingering trust prompts in Microsoft Office? Try WPS Office, a free, lightweight alternative that offers seamless spreadsheet and document management without bloated background processes.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup instructions to install WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Files Seamlessly: Open your existing .xlsx, .docx, and .pptx files directly in WPS Office with zero formatting loss and no residual add-in prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do trust prompts still appear after I deleted an Office add-in?
Deleting an add-in from the ribbon often only hides it. Residual files in your Office startup folder or active macro references within specific workbooks will continue to trigger trust prompts upon startup until they are completely removed.
How do I remove workbook references to a deleted add-in?
Open the affected workbook, go to the 'Data' tab, and click 'Edit Links'. Locate any links pointing to the removed add-in and select 'Break Link'. You should also check the Developer tab for any lingering VBA macro code.
What should I do if a third-party add-in won't uninstall?
If a third-party add-in cannot be removed through standard Windows settings, you may need to use the developer's specific management process or contact their official support (e.g., Forscale support for ProjectSheet) for complete account and workbook removal instructions.
