New Outlook vs Classic Outlook Web Add-ins: Where to Find It

If you use web add-ins in Outlook, moving from Classic Outlook to the New Outlook changes where you find and manage these tools. Web add-ins are small programs that integrate with Outlook to extend its functionality, such as adding a CRM tool, a project manager, or a grammar checker directly into your email window. In Classic Outlook, add-ins live under the Home ribbon or the Get Add-ins button. In the New Outlook, the interface is redesigned, and the add-in entry point has moved. This article explains exactly where to find web add-ins in both versions, how to install them, and what differences you must account for when switching.

This guide covers the location of the add-in store, the add-in management panel, and the behavior of add-ins in reading and composing views. You will learn the exact menu paths and buttons to click in each version.

How Web Add-ins Work in Classic Outlook

Classic Outlook refers to the desktop version that ships with Microsoft 365 or Office 2019 and earlier. Web add-ins in Classic Outlook run inside the Outlook client using a web-based framework. They appear as buttons on the ribbon or in a task pane when you open a message or appointment. Classic Outlook supports three types of add-ins: COM add-ins, Exchange client extensions, and web add-ins. Web add-ins are the most common for modern integrations like Trello, Zoom, or DocuSign.

The add-in store in Classic Outlook is accessible from the Home ribbon. When you click Get Add-ins, a side pane opens showing featured add-ins and a search bar. You can install add-ins directly from this pane. After installation, add-ins appear in the ribbon when you are in the appropriate context, such as reading a message or composing a new email. You can manage installed add-ins from File > Options > Add-ins, where you see a list of all add-in types and can enable or disable them.

How Web Add-ins Work in New Outlook

New Outlook is the modern version that replaces Classic Outlook for Microsoft 365 subscribers. It is built on the Outlook Web App (OWA) platform and runs as a desktop app or in a browser. The interface is cleaner and uses a single ribbon that changes based on context. Web add-ins in New Outlook still run in a task pane, but the entry points are different.

In New Outlook, the add-in store is not on the Home ribbon. Instead, you access it from the View tab when you are reading a message. Click View > Apps > Get Add-ins. This opens the same store as Classic Outlook but in a pop-up window rather than a side pane. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > General > Manage add-ins to see all installed add-ins and toggle them on or off. The New Outlook does not support COM add-ins at all. Only web add-ins and some Exchange add-ins are available.

Steps to Find and Install Add-ins in Classic Outlook

1. Open the add-in store from the Home ribbon
   In Classic Outlook, click the Home tab. In the Add-ins group, click Get Add-ins. The store pane opens on the right side of the window.
2. Search or browse for an add-in
   Use the search box at the top of the store pane or browse categories like CRM, Productivity, or Security. Click an add-in to see its details and permissions.
3. Install the add-in
   Click the Add button on the add-in’s detail page. Accept the permissions prompt. The add-in appears in the ribbon when you open a message or appointment.
4. Manage installed add-ins
   Go to File > Options > Add-ins. In the Manage dropdown, select COM Add-ins or Exchange Add-ins and click Go. Use the checkboxes to enable or disable add-ins.

Steps to Find and Install Add-ins in New Outlook

1. Open a message to see the View tab
   Double-click any email in your inbox to open it in a separate window or select it in the reading pane. The ribbon changes to show the View tab.
2. Click View > Apps > Get Add-ins
   In the View tab, locate the Apps group. Click Get Add-ins. A pop-up window opens showing the add-in store.
3. Search and install an add-in
   Use the search bar or browse categories. Click an add-in and then click Add. Accept the permissions. The add-in now appears in the Apps group or as a button in the ribbon when composing or reading.
4. Manage add-ins from Settings
   Click the gear icon in the top-right corner. Select General > Manage add-ins. This page lists all installed add-ins. Use the toggle switch to enable or disable each one.

Common Issues and Limitations

Add-in button does not appear in New Outlook

If you install an add-in but cannot see it, the add-in may require a specific context. For example, a grammar checker add-in only shows when you are composing a new email. Open a new message and check the ribbon or the three-dot menu (…) for the add-in icon. If it still does not appear, go to Settings > General > Manage add-ins and confirm the add-in is enabled.

Classic Outlook add-ins do not transfer to New Outlook

Add-ins installed in Classic Outlook are not automatically available in New Outlook. You must install them again from the store in New Outlook. Some add-ins may not be compatible with New Outlook because the platform does not support COM add-ins. Check with the add-in provider for a web-only version.

New Outlook does not support COM add-ins

COM add-ins are legacy desktop components that run as DLLs. New Outlook is a web-based app and cannot load COM add-ins. If you rely on a COM add-in, you must either switch to Classic Outlook or find a web-based alternative from the add-in store.

Classic Outlook vs New Outlook: Add-in Feature Comparison

Item	Classic Outlook	New Outlook
Add-in store location	Home ribbon > Get Add-ins	View tab > Apps > Get Add-ins
Add-in management panel	File > Options > Add-ins	Settings > General > Manage add-ins
COM add-in support	Yes	No
Add-in installation method	Side pane in client	Pop-up window in store
Add-in visibility	Ribbon button or task pane	Apps group or three-dot menu
Add-in transfer between versions	Not automatic	Must reinstall in New Outlook

In Classic Outlook, the add-in store is always one click away from the Home ribbon. In New Outlook, you must open a message first to see the View tab, then click Apps. The management panel also moves from File > Options to the Settings gear. If you use COM add-ins, you cannot run them in New Outlook at all. You must either stay with Classic Outlook or replace the COM add-in with a web add-in from the store. Before switching fully to New Outlook, verify that all your required add-ins are available and install them from the store. This saves time and avoids workflow interruptions.