How to Remove an Incompatible EndNote Add-in from Word for Mac
Question details
The user needs to remove an incompatible EndNote add-in that is causing a startup error in Microsoft Word for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Ventura 13.2.1 (Mac M2)
- Scenario
- Opening Microsoft Word triggers a startup error due to an outdated or incompatible EndNote CWYW add-in.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays a startup error indicating it cannot load 'EndNote CWYW Word 16.bundle'. The add-in does not appear in standard Insert > Manage Add-ins menus or basic file searches.
Ensure that Microsoft Word is completely closed before attempting to manually manage or delete add-in files to prevent file-in-use conflicts.
Remove via the Templates & Add-ins Menu
Use the built-in Tools menu to locate, disable, and permanently remove the problematic EndNote add-in directly from Word's interface.
This is the most direct way to manage global templates and add-ins loaded during Word's startup process.
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac and dismiss the startup error prompt.
In the top macOS menu bar, click on 'Tools' and select 'Templates & Add-Ins' from the dropdown menu.
Look for the 'EndNote' add-in within the 'Global templates and add-ins' list. If it is present, clear the checkbox next to it to disable it.
Click to highlight the EndNote add-in, then click the minus (-) button located at the lower-left corner of the dialog box to remove it.
Remove via the Developer Tab
Access the Add-ins dialog box through the Developer tab if the standard Tools menu does not resolve the issue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for Mac say it cannot load the incompatible add-in at startup?
This error occurs when Word attempts to load a legacy or third-party add-in (like an outdated EndNote CWYW bundle) that is no longer supported by your current version of Word, macOS, or your Apple Silicon processor (e.g., M1/M2 chips).
Where are Word add-ins stored locally on a Mac?
Word startup add-ins are typically hidden in the macOS Library folder. You can usually find them by navigating to ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Startup/Word/.
What if the EndNote add-in isn't showing in the Manage Add-ins list?
If it doesn't appear in the Word interface, it is likely a residual file left in the Word Startup folder. You will need to manually navigate to the Startup folder via Finder to delete the .bundle file or contact Clarivate for their official EndNote uninstaller.
