Software
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 download lets you schedule and join calls without leaving your favorite apps.
Struggling to integrate Microsoft Lync meetings directly into your Office 2013 suite? This add-in solves that by embedding meeting controls right into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—no tab-switching required.
Below, I’ll walk you through the quick download, installation steps, and how to troubleshoot common hiccups so you’re up and running in minutes.
Where to download the Lync Meeting add-in for Microsoft Office 2013
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 lets you seamlessly integrate Lync meetings into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, Microsoft no longer hosts direct downloads on their public sites, forcing users to rely on archived sources or alternative methods.
I’ll walk you through the safest ways to obtain this add-in and verify its compatibility with your system.
Before downloading, confirm your Office 2013 version (32-bit or 64-bit) and ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. The add-in works only with Lync Server 2013 or Skype for Business Online accounts. If you’re using a modern version of Teams or Skype, this add-in may not function correctly.
Step-by-Step Download Process
- Step 1: Visit Microsoft’s official Lync download archive. This is the most reliable source for the Office 2013 add-in.
- Step 2: Select the 32-bit or 64-bit version matching your Office 2013 installation. Mismatched versions cause installation failures.
- Step 3: Click "Download" and save the MSI installer to your desktop or a dedicated folder.
- Step 4: Run the installer as an administrator to avoid permission errors during setup.
- Step 5: After installation, restart Office applications to enable the add-in in the ribbon.
If Microsoft’s archive is unavailable, try third-party trusted sources like FileHorse or MajorGeeks, but always scan the file with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes before running it. Avoid pirated copies—they often bundle malware.
For 64-bit Office 2013 users, the add-in is less common but available through Microsoft’s Volume License Service Center (VLSC) if you have an enterprise license. Contact your IT admin or Microsoft Support for access.
Double-check your system architecture in Control Panel > System > System Type. The add-in won’t install if your Office version doesn’t match the downloaded file’s architecture. This mismatch is a top reason for download failures.
Once downloaded, verify the file hash (SHA-1) against Microsoft’s published values to ensure authenticity. A corrupted download leads to installation errors or security risks. Use tools like 7-Zip or Windows built-in File Verifier for this check.
If you encounter a "This add-in is not compatible" error, your Office 2013 update level may be too recent. Microsoft discontinued updates for this add-in in 2017, so older versions of Office (pre-2013 SP1) work best. Consider using Skype for Business or Teams as alternatives.
After downloading, bookmark this guide—you’ll need it for troubleshooting installation issues in the next steps. The add-in enhances productivity by embedding meeting controls directly into your Office apps, but only if installed correctly.
How to install and enable the Lync Meeting add-in in Office 2013
The Lync Meeting Add-In integrates seamlessly with Office 2013, allowing you to launch meetings directly from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook. Before installing, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements: Windows 7/8/10, Office 2013 (32-bit or 64-bit), and an active Lync Online account.
I’ll walk you through the full process, including admin rights and troubleshooting common errors.
Start by closing all Microsoft Office applications to prevent conflicts. Right-click the downloaded LyncMeetingAddIn.exe file and select "Run as administrator"—this step is critical for proper installation. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), confirm the action to proceed.
The installer will guide you through the steps, but I’ll cover the finer details for a smooth experience.
The Lync Meeting Add-In installation fails silently without admin privileges. If you encounter errors like "Access Denied" or "Installation Failed", restart your PC in Administrator Mode or contact your IT department. Some corporate environments block add-ins—check with your IT policy before proceeding.
After installation, open Outlook 2013 first to verify the add-in’s integration. Go to File > Options > Add-ins and ensure "COM Add-ins" lists "Lync Meeting Add-In". If missing, click "Go" in the Manage COM Add-ins window and check the box to enable it.
Restart Outlook to apply changes—this step often resolves missing toolbar buttons in other Office apps.
To enable the add-in in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, open any Office application and navigate to File > Options > Add-ins. Under "COM Add-ins", click "Go" again and verify the add-in is checked.
If you don’t see it, repeat the admin installation or repair Office 2013 via Control Panel > Programs and Features. The add-in should now appear as a new tab in the ribbon labeled "Lync Meeting".
Verify successful integration by creating a new document in Word 2013 or PowerPoint 2013. Look for the Lync Meeting tab—it should include options to start a meeting, schedule a meeting, or join via Lync.
If the tab is missing, run the Office Repair Tool from Control Panel or reinstall the add-in. For persistent issues, check Event Viewer for error codes related to LyncMeetingAddIn.dll.
Once enabled, test the add-in by scheduling a meeting from Excel 2013. Click the Lync Meeting tab, then "New Meeting", and fill in the details. The meeting should appear in your Lync client or Outlook calendar.
If you encounter authentication errors, ensure your Lync Online credentials are up to date and try signing out/in from the Lync desktop app.