Microsoft 365 - Getting Started with Add-ins

You can use the Microsoft Add-ins platform to build solutions that extend Office applications and interact with content in Office documents. With Office Add-ins, you can use familiar web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to extend and interact with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Project, and Outlook. Your solution can run in Office across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPad, and in a browser. Learn more.

All add-ins are validated by Microsoft, including those that you install from the Microsoft Store. For more information, see the privacy statement and the terms and conditions section in the add-in’s consent form.

How do add-ins work?

Installed add-ins are turned on by default, but you'll be prompted to give consent the first time you run them if they need access your data. Even after you add and give consent for an add-in, it can only run when you select it. Most add-ins have access only to the data in the email message that you're working in.

When you install an add-in in Outlook on the web, it will appear in other versions of Outlook (or associated Microsoft application) as well.

Why do I see add-ins in my inbox?

Microsoft has partnered with leading companies to build add-ins that help you get things done right from your inbox. Microsoft also provides developers the ability to create customized add-ins -- which UW-Madison's Microsoft 365 team has taken advantage of.

What are the default add-ins included in UW-Madison's implementation of Microsoft 365

Microsoft continues to make updates to the default set of add-ins whenever Outlook on the web is updated. As part of our implementation, we also continue to add add-ins which we think would benefit the campus community. Currently, the following add-ins are active for all Microsoft 365 users: Action Items, Bing Maps, Doodle, Report Spam/Phish, Zoom, My Templates, Suggested Meetings, and Unsubscribe. To better understand and take advantage of any of these add-ins, go to "My add-ins".

How do I use/manage my add-ins?

Are add-ins supported?

Support for purchasing, installing, and activating 3rd-party add-ins is limited. If you wish to purchase, install, and/or utilize the features provided by add-ins outside of the default set the DoIT Help Desk and Microsoft 365 Team will likely be unable to provide assistance. Any support beyond basic troubleshooting must be be handled by the add-in vendor.

IMPORTANT: If the add-in requires administrative approval before it can be used, it will not be enabled by the Microsoft 365 team and cannot be used at this time.

What happens if I select Disable in the Manage add-ins/Consent page?

If you select Disable, it'll deactivate the add-in, and you won't see or be able to use the add-in within the associated Microsoft application.

If you change your mind later, you can enable the add-in anytime by going to Manage apps, in the Settings menu Settings icon. You can also enable the apps from the Microsoft Store.

How do contextual add-ins work?

Outlook detects if an add-in requested keywords and entities, such as meeting suggestions or addresses, that are in your message, and it underlines them. Please note that Microsoft always safeguards your privacy and doesn't attempt to read or comprehend your message. Even though you might see underlined text, no information is sent to the add-in.

Remember, the add-in can run only after you have given your consent to activate it and you selected the underlined text.

Does the add-in send my data to third-party service? If so, why?

An add-in might send data to its own service, but only to complete the task you've requested. For example, the Bing maps add-in might send information to the Bing online service in order to find the location you've requested. All add-ins are required to comply by their privacy policies and Microsoft standards. See the add-in privacy statement for more details.

Where can I get more information about an add-in, its ratings, and reviews?

Go to the Microsoft Store, and search for the add-in you're looking for. Then, select the add-in to find information such as its overview, requirements, privacy policies, ratings, and reviews.



Keywords:
microsoft office365 o365 m365 microsoft 365 outlook on the web desktop apps suite word excel powerpoint plugins addons add-ons add-ins addins action items bing maps doodle report spam my templates suggested meetings unsubscribe zoom proofpoint proof point 
Doc ID:
42953
Owned by:
O365 S. in Microsoft 365
Created:
2014-08-15
Updated:
2024-09-13
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk, Microsoft 365