'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Restore the Add-ins Group in Excel 2021
Question details
The user needs to troubleshoot a missing Add-ins command group on the Insert tab in Excel 2021 to manage and enable installed add-ins.
- Product
- Excel 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is trying to access previously installed Excel or COM add-ins but cannot find the Add-ins group on the ribbon.
- Observed behavior
- The Add-ins command group is missing from the Excel Insert tab, preventing the user from using their plugins.
Verify whether the plugin you are trying to use is a standard Excel add-in or a COM add-in, as they are managed through different dropdown menus in the settings.
Enable Required Add-ins via Excel Safe Mode
Start Excel in Safe Mode to bypass potential software conflicts, then manually enable your installed COM or Excel add-ins through the Options menu.
Running Excel in Safe Mode prevents problematic startup programs from interfering with your settings. Once in Safe Mode, you can re-enable your add-ins and restart the application normally to restore the group to your ribbon.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type 'excel.exe /safe' and press Enter to launch Microsoft Excel in Safe Mode.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the window, then select 'Options' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Excel Options window, click on 'Add-ins' in the left sidebar.
Locate the 'Manage' dropdown menu at the very bottom of the window. Select 'COM Add-ins' (or 'Excel Add-ins' depending on your specific plugin) and click the 'Go' button.
Check the boxes next to the required add-ins to enable them. Click 'OK' to save your changes, then close and restart Excel normally to verify the Add-ins group is restored.
Experience Hassle-Free Add-in Management with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter missing features or configuration issues in Microsoft Excel, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, easy-to-use environment with seamless add-in support and full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and enjoy a seamless, familiar spreadsheet experience with built-in add-in management capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Add-ins group disappear from the Excel ribbon?
The Add-ins group can disappear due to a recent software update, corrupted custom ribbon settings, or conflicts caused by disabled COM add-ins. Starting Excel in Safe Mode helps identify and bypass these conflicts.
What is the difference between Excel Add-ins and COM Add-ins?
Excel Add-ins are typically Excel-specific files like .xlam or .xll, whereas COM Add-ins are broader binary components (like .dll or .exe files) designed to interact with the Office application.
How do I manually add the Add-ins group back to the Insert tab?
Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Under the 'Choose commands from' dropdown, select 'Main Tabs'. Expand the 'Insert' or 'Developer' tab, and ensure the Add-ins group is checked. If it is missing, you can create a New Group and manually add the Add-ins command to it.
Does WPS Office support standard Excel add-ins?
WPS Office supports a wide variety of standard COM add-ins and provides a dedicated Developer tab for managing plugins. However, specific proprietary Microsoft add-ins may require testing to ensure full compatibility.
