Excel Add-ins are basically additional features used to enhance your work. Add-ins are not built-in features of Excel, however, by installing add-ins you can easily use them. One of the many reasons is the intricacy of the file in which these add-ins are used that’s why we have to remove them from Excel.
Today, we’ll find simple ways that let you know how to remove Excel add-ins.
What is an Excel Add-In?
Before further discussion, let’s understand what is an Excel add-in.
Do you know a VBA macro?
Well, Add-in is a similar file that contains macros and uses the .xlam extension. When you open a file with Add-ins, you will not be able to find worksheets and the macros are accessible by using buttons added to the toolbar or ribbon.
Once the add-ins are installed, you will see the .xlam file whenever you open Excel. When you don’t need an add-in, simply you can disable them just like other features. If you don’t want to disable add-ins you can even remove them.
Add-ins appear in multiple forms, such as:
Excel Add-ins
These Excel files are saved with an extension of .xlam or .xla. You can use these files only once.
COM Add-ins
This needs to have a complete software installation for proper functionality.
Office Download Store Add-ins
These add-ins are not free, you need to make a purchase via the Microsoft Office Add-ins store.
Why Use Add-In?
With an Excel Add-in, you can save time as well as effort. Your work will be error-free and you can easily do tiring tasks quickly. Moreover, Add-ins are helpful in simplifying a formula in Excel and you can even customize the menu bar.
How to Remove Excel Add-In?
Besides having great benefits, you still need to remove this add-in once in a while.
You know that Add-ins are not built-in features of Excel, therefore when you are using an installed feature, it definitely creates troubles. With the help of the Options menu, you can remove the Excel add-in.
Follow the steps given below:
- Open the File tab given on the ribbon.
- The home page of Excel will open up; now, choose the Options menu.
- You will see a dialog box of Excel Options.
- Click on the Add-ins category.
- Choose the Excel Add-ins option from the Manage drop-down menu bar.
- Press the Go button once you have selected Excel Add-ins.
- Now, the Add-ins dialog box will appear.
- Now, uncheck the add-ins you need to remove.
- Click on the OK button to close the window.
How to Completely Remove an Add-in?
- Open Excel first and click on the File tab.
- Now, click on the Options menu.
- Now, browse the add-in file from the system.
- Close the Excel window.
- Now, go to where the add-in file is saved and simply delete or rename it.
- Open Excel once again and move back to the Add-ins menu.
- Click on the Go button and it will open up the add-in window.
- Click on the add-in you have removed.
- You will see a message box verifying if you want to remove it permanently. Click Yes.
- Now, your add-in is deleted permanently.
Enjoy the add-in free file!
