Loading an Excel Add-In

Microsoft offers a range of Add-Ins and other extensions to Excel’s normal functionality. These are accessed most easily from the ‘Developer’ ribbon.

The Developer Tab

Clicking the Add-Ins icon, offers the user a list of all Add-Ins currently available to your Excel program. The problem comes when your particular program isn’t listed there. Even when you know where the Add-In file is and double click it, the functionality is still not activated.

According to SuperUser.com, the problem results from security patch in KB31152, released in July 2016. Apparently, Microsoft software engineers have said:

"With this update, we changed the behaviour of Excel so that it will not load certain file types (including .xlam) when they are untrusted. The easiest workaround is to find the add-in that is causing you trouble, right-clicking on it in Windows Explorer, and checking Unblock"

However, SuperUser.com recommend placing the add-in in a Trusted Location (in Excel, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations).

The Trusted Locations list

You should note that to place an Add-In in any of the Trusted Locations, you must have administrative authority for the PC. This may require logging as the Administrator or getting him / her to load the file for you. This procedure makes the Add-In available for use but does not activate it.

All loaded Add-Ins can be activated or deactivated from the Developer ribbon, as discussed earlier. The checked programs load automatically on opening Excel.

Your loaded Add-Ins list

Check or uncheck your Add-In as desired. All checked programs load on to the Add-Ins tab of the Ribbon.

The Add-Ins tab can get crowded

Depending on how active you are at building your own Add-Ins, this tab can get a little crowded. Unchecking options that you do not use frequently may be helpful.

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