Office Settings & Configuration

How to Remove the Add-ins Button from the Microsoft Office Ribbon

Ayan Masood Oct 13, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to remove the newly added Add-ins button from the Home tab on the Microsoft Word or Excel ribbon, which is missing from the customization options in certain builds.

How to Remove the Add-ins Button from the Microsoft Office Ribbon

Product: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Microsoft 365, Office 2021)
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Customizing the application ribbon to remove unwanted tools and maintain a clean, personalized workspace.
Observed behavior: A red Add-ins button suddenly appears on the Home tab but cannot be removed because it is missing from the Customize Ribbon menu in versions like release 2308.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection to download the latest Office updates, as this issue requires installing Windows release 2309 or later to fix the customization bug.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft Office and Customize the Ribbon

Updating to release 2309 or newer resolves the missing customization option, allowing you to remove the Add-Ins group from the Home tab manually.

In Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 (specifically around release 2308), Microsoft introduced the Add-ins button to the Home tab but inadvertently left out the ability to manage it via the standard ribbon settings. Updating the software patches this oversight.

Update Microsoft Office

Open Microsoft Word or Excel. Go to File > Account, click on 'Update Options', and select 'Update Now' to install release 2309 or a later version.

Open Application Options

Once the update is complete, navigate to File > Options to open the settings dialog box.

Access Customize Ribbon

Select 'Customize Ribbon' from the left-hand navigation pane.

Remove the Add-ins Group

In the right-hand column under 'Main Tabs', expand the 'Home' tab. Locate the 'Add-Ins' group, select it, and click the 'Remove' button between the two columns.

Save Changes

Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to apply your changes. The Add-ins button will no longer appear on your Home tab.

Update Microsoft Office and Customize the Ribbon

Update Required: If you do not see the Add-Ins group listed under the Home tab in the Customize Ribbon menu, your Office application has not been successfully updated to a version that supports this fix.

Solution 2

Submit Feedback for Locked Enterprise Versions

Use this workaround if your IT department manages your Office updates and you are stuck on a version that does not support removing the button.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Cleaner, Customizable Interface

If you are frustrated by unremovable buttons, unexpected UI changes, or bloated ribbons in Microsoft Office, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly customizable workspace that keeps you productive without forcing unwanted tools into your workflow.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the quick installation process.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word or Excel files seamlessly without any formatting loss.
3. Customize Your Workspace: Enjoy a clean, easily customizable toolbar right from the settings menu.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Clean, intuitive ribbon interface that is easy to customize to your exact preferences.Lightweight installation with significantly faster loading times and lower system resource usage.Free to use with comprehensive office productivity tools out of the box.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Add-ins button suddenly appear on my Word ribbon?

Microsoft occasionally pushes background updates that introduce new features or adjust the interface. The Add-ins button was added to the Home tab to promote third-party integrations, but a bug in specific releases (like 2308) prevented users from hiding it.

How do I manage or disable installed Add-ins in Microsoft Office?

You can manage active integrations by going to File > Options > Add-ins. From there, select the type of add-in (e.g., COM Add-ins) from the 'Manage' drop-down list at the bottom, click 'Go', and uncheck any items you want to disable.

Will removing the Add-ins button delete my installed add-ins?

No. Removing the Add-ins group from the Customize Ribbon menu only hides the shortcut button from the Home tab. Your currently installed and active add-ins will remain fully functional and accessible through other menus.

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