Error message can't load add-ins in Office

Question

Error message can't load add-ins in Office

David Pilling 0

Hi,

Can anyone help resolve an issue in Office (especially Excel) where no matter what add-in I try and add (including ones I actually have) I repeatedly get an error message at the bottom of the screen to say that they can't be loaded and to try again later.

Chatted to Microsoft Support who were next to useless and tried to blame the third party app software until I told them that no add-ins (including their own!) would load!

Thanks,

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Answer 1

Xavier-D 12,515 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello David Pilling

I can see that you are having issue with add-ins in Office

Since both Microsoft and third-party add-ins fail, this may not be specific to an individual add-in. Could you answer these questions:

Are you using Windows or macOS?
What exact Office version and build are shown under Excel > Account > About Excel?
Can you load the same add-ins in Excel for the web, or do they fail there as well?

Also, please check that your computer’s date, time, and time zone are correct. incorrect date or time settings can prevent Office from validating an add-in and produce an “Error loading add-ins” message.

These details will help narrow down whether the issue is with the desktop installation, your Microsoft account, or connectivity to the add-in catalog.

I hope to hear update from you soon.

David Pilling 0 Reputation points

2026-08-04T10:08:16.96+00:00

Hi Xavier-D, thanks so much for replying. I'm using Windows 11, the Excel version is Version 2607 Build 16.0.20228.20124) 64-bit. It was failing on the Web too.

I did have to change my password for MS Office over the weekend which may have bene the issue? When I checked Excel this morning then the add-in which I had had previously was showing again on the toolbar and is working normally so perhaps that was the issue?

Kind regards,

David
Xavier-D 12,515 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-05T00:29:08.8666667+00:00

Hi David Pilling

Thanks for getting back to us.

The recent password change may have temporarily interrupted the authentication needed to load your add-ins

It is good to hear that the add-in has returned and is working normally again.

If you experience any further issues, please feel free to reply to this post, and I’ll be happy to help.

Have a nice day